Interception system for drones

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an interception system particularly suitable for the interception of drones. One embodiment regards an interception system for drones comprising a source of wires configured to be released into a space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length between 0.1-300 m, and a release unit configured to release the wires to form a barrier separating the space into a first region and a second region.

Description

[0001] P6975PC00

[0002] 1

[0003] Interception system for drones

[0004] The present disclosure relates to an interception system particularly suitable for the interception of drones and methods for protection against incoming drones.

[0005] Background

[0006] Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and underwater drones, are increasingly used for harmful applications. For example, drones may be loaded with explosives and weapons, and used for attacking humans and building structures. Drones may also be used for illegal activities, such as cross- border freight, surveillance and industrial espionage. Thus, systems for drone detection and drone interception are of increasing importance.

[0007] WO 2021 / 162634 discloses a drone interception system based on an intercept drone launched with coiled-up streamers that may be released as a confetti cannon providing a cloud of uncoiled streamers. When the intercept drone is maneuvered into proximity of a target drone, the streamers may be released as a cloud suspended in the flight path of the target drone, causing the streamers to entangle the propeller and crash the target drone.

[0008] WO 2019 / 151950 discloses a system for deploying an airburst projectile to counter an UAV. Each airburst projectile includes one or more spinners; each spinner has a sleeve or a tube, a number of radial partition plates extending from the sleeve / tube and an annular rear plate connected to the sleeve where adjacent partition plates form a compartment. Disposed in each compartment is streamers formed in a coiled-up state. When the airburst projectile is deployed into a flight path of a target UAV, the spinners are ejected and the streamers are dispersed in the flight path to create a streamer cloud, so that a streamer may entangle with propellers of the UAV and bring down the UAV, or as a warning or fence marking shot.

[0009] WO 2020 / 208330 discloses an entanglement device, with multiple elongate filaments attached together to form a tassel, for disabling the propellers of a nuisance UAV. When deployed, the filaments spread apart over a relatively wide area before being pulled into the drone's propellers, wrapping around them and forcing the drone to land. P6975PC00

[0010] 2

[0011] Summary

[0012] The present disclosure provides an interception system suitable for intercepting propeller driven vehicles, such as drones, helicopters, airplanes, and submarines. Accordingly, the interception system may be applied for protection of land and / or maritime sites against attacks from drones and similar airborne or waterborne vehicles. For example, land structures of infrastructural or military strategic importance, such as hospitals, power stations, roads, and airports, and maritime structures such as cables and offshore installation, may be protected by the system. Specifically, the system may be applied for protection against drones at any flight altitudes, including low-flying drones at altitudes below 600 m, as well as higher flying drones.

[0013] The presently disclosed system is based on wires extended and / or released into a space. For example, the wires may be released independently into a space without being attached or coupled to an auxiliary device, such that the wires form discretely suspended elements occupying the space, released independently into the space to form discretely suspended wires. Preferably thereby forming independently selfsuspended wires floating in the space by having a good buoyancy. For example for forming an efficient semi-permanently barrier, protecting a first region present on one side of the barrier, from entry and invasion of propeller driven vehicles present on the other side of the barrier. Since the barrier is semi-permanently present, it may act as a preventive defence, not only targeting a single incoming UAV, but providing a longer lasting defence against a plurality of incoming UAVs. The wires are preferably configured to be semi-permanently floating and / or suspended in a fluid, preferably air, possibly also water, by the release method and the selected dimensions and materials of the wires. For example, it is found that dimensions and materials of the wires may be selected to provide a surprisingly high combination of buoyancy, strength and entanglement capacity, such that the wires may efficiently obstruct the propellers of aerial drones, aquatic drones, motors, and wings by entanglement, even when the wires are present in low amounts in the fluid.

[0014] A first aspect of the disclosure relates to an interception system for drones comprising: a source of wires configured to be extended and / or released into a space, wherein the wires preferably comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, preferably each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and / or optionally a length between 0.1-300 m, and P6975PC00

[0015] 3 optionally a release unit configured to extend and / or release the wires, for example to form a barrier separating the space into a first region and a second region.

[0016] The floating period of the wires depends on local conditions, but floating periods of minutes, quarters, or even an hour or more can be expected, in particular if the wires can utilize atmospheric convection, for example thermal columns, which are mass of buoyant air, that transfers heat energy vertically. In particular it is found advantageous to provide low density (less than 1 g / cm3), long (10-200 m), thin (0.1-1 mm) and high strength polyethylene wires. However, materials with higher density may be used as well, for example between 1 and 2 g / cm3, or between 1 and 1.5 g / cm3. The low density and the low thickness ensure buoyancy such that the wires can float in air for a long period of time, the length of the wires ensure a certain extension and thereby density of wires in the air volume, and the length and strength of the wires ensure that once a propeller of an UAV is entangled, it will eventually be blocked and take down the UAV.

[0017] Optionally, each wire comprises multiple strands or filaments, where the strands or filaments may be arranged in at least two configurations facilitating different properties. For example, the filaments may be arranged in a first configuration, where the filaments are bundled or partially aligned in an array providing a higher wire strength and more efficient propeller obstruction and / or more convenient storage, and in a second configuration, where the filaments are frayed or branched out in a web providing higher wire buoyancy, sufficient for semi-permanently floating, preferably in air. The strands or filaments may further be arranged such that a wire is configured to assume or switch between the first and second configuration upon a defined interaction with the surroundings. For example, the wires may be configured to assume the first configuration under storage conditions and / or upon contact impact with e.g. a propeller. Additionally, the wires may be configured to assume the second configuration upon exposure to fluid flow, e.g. on release into a space, and / or upon release from a storage condition, such as release from a partially stretched storage condition. The length of a wire is normally used to characterize the wire in the first configuration, for example in the stretched state.

[0018] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires comprise multiple strands or filaments. A wire can for example comprise filaments that are weaved to form the wire. In addition P6975PC00

[0019] 4 or alternatively, the filaments may comprise or consist of polymers with different density and / or stretchability relative to the relaxed state.

[0020] The presently disclosed system can also be embodied as a method for intercepting a drone according to the presently disclosed approach. For example a method for intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles, such as one or more drones, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, for example the presently disclosed wires, the wires for example comprising a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended elements, preferably independent elements, occupying the space and / or floating in the space, preferably for a period of time, intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles entering the space occupied by the floating wires by entangling one or more propellers of the vehicles optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time.

[0021] The present disclosure further relates to a method for creating a protective barrier for a period of time, such as in air, for example for preventing penetration of the barrier by one or more propeller driven vehicles, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, for example the presently disclosed wires, the wires for example comprising a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended elements, preferably independent elements, occupying the space and / or floating in the space, preferably for a period of time thereby forming a protective barrier, P6975PC00

[0022] 5 optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time.

[0023] The period of time may be at least one minute, preferably at least 3 minutes, more preferably at least 5 minutes, even more preferably at least 10 minutes, yet even more preferably at least 15 minutes, most preferably at least 30 minutes, yet most preferably at least 60 minutes.

[0024] These methods can advantageously be carried out utilizing the presently disclosed approach with a release system for releasing a source of wires.

[0025] Description of Drawings

[0026] The present disclosure will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure, where the barrier comprises floating wires in air released from the ground.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure, where the barrier comprises floating wires in air released from a drone.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure, where the barrier comprises hanging wires in air released and suspended from a balloon.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the system according to the present disclosure, where the barrier comprises suspended wires in water.

[0031] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a wire according to the present disclosure, showing (A) a first configuration where the strands or filaments form an aligned array, and a second configuration where the filaments form a web with a shape as (B) a cage, (C) a dandelion seed, and (D) a feather.

[0032] Detailed description

[0033] The presently disclosed systems and methods are described below with the help of the accompanying figures. It would be appreciated by the people skilled in the art that the same feature or component of the device are referred with the same reference numeral in different figures. A list of the reference numbers can be found at the end of the detailed description section. P6975PC00

[0034] 6

[0035] Barrier

[0036] The system according to the present disclosure may be configured for generating a barrier separating a first region from a second region. By the term “barrier” is meant a structure that prevents free movement between regions. A barrier may be a physical solid structure, such as a shield or a cupola, completely preventing penetration and access of any kind into the cupola.

[0037] Alternatively, a barrier may be a fluid structure, such as an air curtain, or a partially fluid structure, such as a door curtain, preventing or reducing free movement across the barrier of selected elements. For example, an air curtain may be generated by a controlled stream of air across an opening such as a door, thereby forming an air seal reducing thermal loss from a first region. An example of a partially fluid barrier includes a door curtain comprising multiple hanging strings or lamellae in a door opening, which reduces the access of e.g. insects into a first region.

[0038] A barrier suitable for interception of drones is advantageously a partially fluid structure, such that a first region to be protected is not prevented from free movement of a fluid e.g. air or water.

[0039] For complete protection of a first region, the barrier may be generated to form a surface completely surrounding or encapsulating the first region. For example, if the first region is a building that is to be protected, then the barrier may be configured to form a surface surrounding the building, e.g. the barrier forms a chamber shape such as a cupola or box, where the inner chamber is the first region. The barrier may also be configured to form an essentially planar surface, such as a cloud formation, thereby providing protection of a first region from attacks from a specific direction. For example, the barrier may be configured as an essentially horizontal surface providing protection from drone access from above, or the barrier may be configured as an inclined plane providing protection from a certain direction.

[0040] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system is configured to form a barrier of predefined geometry and / or orientation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the barrier is configured to form an essential planar surface, a cloud formation or a chamber shape. P6975PC00

[0041] 7

[0042] Figures 1-4 show embodiments of a system 1 where the barrier 3 forms an inclined plane within a space 2 protecting a first region 4 from drone access from a second region 5. Thus, a drone 7 present in the second region 5 may not access the first region 4 without being intercepted. The space 2 may comprise any fluid such as air or water, and it follows that the system may be applied equivalently for interception of airborne drones (cf. e.g. Figures 1-3), and waterborne drones (cf. Figure 4).

[0043] The partially fluid barrier of the present disclosure comprises wires 3.1 configured to have sufficient strength, such that they may obstruct propellers, motors, and wings by entanglement. Accordingly, when a propeller driven vehicle such as a drone is attempting to cross and penetrate the barrier, the wires present within the barrier may cause entanglement of the propeller, and resulting in interception and crash of the vehicle.

[0044] To obtain an efficient barrier for interception of drones, the barrier advantageously comprises a sufficiently high density of the wires within the barrier. For example, the barrier may advantageously comprise between 1-100 wires per m3, meaning that at least a part of the between 1-100 wires are present within a defined cubic volume of fluid. It is sufficient that only a fraction of the wire length is present within the volume, since efficient entanglement may be obtained after a single point contact between a propeller and a fraction of the wire length, in the same manner as hair clogs in a sink. Hence, a barrier comprising low amounts or numbers of wires may be efficient, and this may particularly be obtained with wires configured to be semi-permanently floating and / or suspended in the air or water, especially under calm wind and still water conditions.

[0045] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the barrier comprises between 1-100 wires / m3, more preferably between 5-90 wires / m3, and most preferably between 10-80 wires / m3, such as 20, 40 or 60 wires / m3.

[0046] The wires may advantageously be released independently into a space without being attached or coupled to an auxiliary device, such as a floating balloon, and / or without being attached to each other forming a web of interconnected wires. Thus, the barrier is based on wires forming discretely suspended elements occupying the space, and a P6975PC00

[0047] 8 part of the barrier may therefore still remain following a drone interception since only the part of the barrier involved in the entanglement is affected,

[0048] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires are configured to be released independently into the space to form discretely suspended wires. In a further embodiment, the wires are configured to be released without being attached to an auxiliary device.

[0049] By the term “semi-permanently floating wires” is meant wires that are configured to be floating in a fluid, such as air, for an amount of time. For example, the shape and / or density of the wire may facilitate a sufficiently high buoyancy for floating. In addition, or alternatively, the shape of the wire may facilitate pressure differences under fluid flow, in a manner similar to a wing under airflow or waterflow, thereby providing increased floating.

[0050] Accordingly, the system of the present disclosure may be configured to provide a semipermanently barrier with sufficient high density of the wires floating and / or suspended during an amount of time. Thus, the semi-permanently barrier may provide protection against attacks, for example from a single UAV or a swarm of UAVs, as well as provide preventive protection of a site for an amount of time.

[0051] Wire material

[0052] The dimensions and materials of the wires may facilitate a surprisingly high combination of buoyancy, strength, and entanglement capacity. It is found that polymer wires with a density below 1 g / cm3and a short cross sectional dimension, e.g. a diameter between 0.012-1.5 mm, and lengths between 0.1-300 m may have sufficiently high buoyancy, high entanglement capacity due to the lengths, and further tensile strengths above 2.500 MPa, such as 3.620 MPa or 7.757 MPa.

[0053] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires comprise or consist of a high- performance polymer or thermoplastic. In a further embodiment, the wires comprise or consist of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof. In a further embodiment, the wires comprise or consist of polyethylene, such as low- density polyethylene and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE), more preferably comprises LIHMWPE, and most preferably consist of LIHMWPE. P6975PC00

[0054] 9

[0055] Accordingly, the wires may comprise or consist of high-performance polymers, also known as high-performance plastics or high-performance thermoplastics. An example of a high-performance material include polymeric aramids, such as Poly(azanediyl-1,4- phenyleneazanediylterephthaloyl), also referred to as Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (K29) or Kevlar. Other examples of high-performance materials include carbon fibers and plant fibers, such as maize fiber, which may be configured to have high tensile strengths, and further configured to be biodegradable. Hence, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires comprise or consist of a biodegradable polymer.

[0056] Another example of a high-performance polymer is polyolefins, which is a family of thermoplastics including polyethylene and polypropylene, typically produced by polymerising respectively ethylene and propylene. Polyolefins further have a density below 1 g / cm3, e.g. the density of low-density polyethylene may be between 0.91-0.93 g / m3, the density of high-density polyethylene may be between 0.94-0.97 g / cm3, and the density of polypropylene may be between 0.85-0.94 g / cm3. Hence, advantageously, the wires comprise or consist of polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene, and more preferably ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE), also referred to as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) having a molecular mass between 3.5-7.5 million Da.

[0057] Due to the semi-permanent nature of the barrier, the wires advantageously comprise or consist of biodegradable materials, such that the contamination from the wires are reduced after release and upon deposition on the ground. In that regard one advantage of polyolefins is that they susceptible to attack by ultraviolet light, oxygen, moisture, and heat resulting in polymer brittleness, surface crazing, color change and eventual failure. I.e. polyolefins will be high strength when forming the semi-permanent barrier, but will be degraded when subsequently exposed to sunlight.

[0058] To facilitate improved buoyancy and high entanglement capacity, the wires may advantageously comprise a surface roughness similar to a terry cloth surface.

[0059] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wire surface comprises a surface roughness, such as a terry cloth surface. P6975PC00

[0060] 10

[0061] The dimensions of the wires are further advantageously configured to provide a high entanglement capacity and strength. Hence, the wires may be configured to have a high length, and a symmetric cross sectional shape, e.g. circular with a diameter.

[0062] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires have a length of between 0.3-250 m, more preferably between 0.6-200 m or 0.9-150 m, and most preferably between 1-100 m, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 m, and / or less than 250 m, less than 200 m, less than 150 m, or less than 100 m.

[0063] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wires have a cross sectional shape selected from the group of: circle, ellipse, oval, stadium, polygonal, and any combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the wires have a cross sectional dimension with a major axis length of between 0.012-1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.025-1.2 mm, and most preferably between 0.05-1 mm, such as 0.07, 0.09, 0.1 , 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9 mm. In a further embodiment, the cross sectional dimension is a diameter.

[0064] Wire shape

[0065] An efficient barrier may be obtained for a system where the wires have sufficient strength, such that they may obstruct propellers of aerial drones, aquatic drones, motors, and wings by entanglement, and at the same time the wires have sufficient buoyancy to be semi-permanently floating, such that the barrier is present for an amount of time.

[0066] Such wires may be obtained for a wire comprising multiple strands or filaments, where the strands or filaments may be arranged in at least two configurations facilitating different properties. Figure 5 shows embodiments of a wire 3.1 comprising multiple filaments 3.2, where the filaments in a first configuration are arranged in a bundle or aligned array, as shown in Figure 5A. It follows that the wire strength of the bundle will be higher than the strength of each separate filament.

[0067] In a second configuration, as shown in Figures 5B-D, the filaments are branched out to form a web, where each filament is separated with a distance to the neighbouring filaments. It follows that the wire strength in the second configuration is lower than in the first configuration. However it is also found that the wires of the second P6975PC00

[0068] 11 configuration may provide surprisingly improved buoyancy and / or floatability. Accordingly, the wires are configured to be semi-permanently floating and / or suspended in a fluid into which they are released, and adapted to form a semipermanently barrier.

[0069] The filaments may be arranged such that a wire is configured to assume or switch between the first and second configuration upon a defined interaction with the surroundings. For example, the filaments may be joined at contact points 3.3 such that the compact first configuration of Figure 5A occurs when the wires are exposed to a compressive pressure, e.g. under storage conditions or upon contact impact with e.g. a propeller. At the same time, the contact points 3.3 facilitate that the branched second configuration of Figures 5B-D occurs when the wires are exposed to an air flow.

[0070] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the multiple filaments are arranged such that a wire has a first configuration where the filaments form an aligned array providing wire strength, and a second configuration where the filaments form a web providing wire buoyancy. In a further embodiment, the wires are configured to be in the first configuration under storage condition. In a further embodiment, the wires are configured to be in the second configuration upon exposure to a fluid flow. In a further embodiment, the wires are configured to be in the first configuration upon contact impact, such as contact impact with a propeller.

[0071] The filaments of a wire may be joined at one or more contact points, where joint may be formed by a filament knot or a filament wound around. For example, the filaments may be joined at two contact points 3.3 located adjacent to the first and opposite second filament end. In the first compact configuration in Figure 5A, the filaments form an aligned array, and in the second branched configuration, the contact points results in the filaments forming a cage or chamber having a compressed spheric shape defined by vertically oriented bars, as shown in Figure 5B. Alternatively, the filaments may be joined at one contact point, as shown in Figure 5C, resulting in a second branched configuration with the shape of a dandelion seed. Further alternatively, the filaments may be joined with multiple contact points, as shown in Figure 5D, resulting in a second branched configuration with the shape of a feather. P6975PC00

[0072] 12

[0073] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the filaments are joined at one or more contact points along the filament length. In a further embodiment, the at least one contact point is located adjacent to a first filament end, and / or adjacent to a second filament end.

[0074] For an efficient switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, at least one filament may have the same arrangement in both configurations. For example, the axially oriented filament 3.2 remains in a similar position in both Figures 5A-B, and the additional filaments deploy around this filament as seen in Figure 5B. Similarly, the stem filament of the dandelion seed in Figure 5C and the stem filament of the feather in Figure 5D remain in the same position, and the additional filaments deploy or branch out from the stem filament in the second configuration.

[0075] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the arrangement of at least one filament is the same in the first and second configuration. In a further embodiment, the filaments are deployed around the at least one filament that is the same in the first configuration and the second configuration. In a further embodiment, the filaments in the second configuration form a web with a shape as a cage, a feather, or a dandelion seed.

[0076] To further improve the floatability and to prolong the floating or suspension time in air or water, the wires and / or filaments may be dimensioned and shaped to facilitate higher buoyancy and / or floatability. For example, a wire may comprise between 2-50 filaments, have a length of between 10-1000 mm, and / or the filaments may have a circular or oval cross sectional shape with a major axis length of between 0.1-5 mm. To further facilitate prolonged floating or suspension in air or water, the wires and / or filaments advantageously have a surface roughness. For example, a portion or the entire surface of the wires and / or filaments may have a terry cloth surface and / or a feather surface.

[0077] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wire comprises between 2-50 filaments, more preferably between 5-40 filaments, and most preferably between 10-30 filaments, such as 15, 20, or 25 filaments.

[0078] To obtain an efficient barrier, the system advantageously comprises wires configured to have sufficient strength, specifically in the first configuration, such that they may obstruct propellers of aerial drones, aquatic drones, motors, and wings by P6975PC00

[0079] 13 entanglement. Obstruction of propellers requires wires with a high tensile strength, such that the wires are not sliced or comminuted when exposed to the tensile forces from a propellers. Wires of high tensile strength may be obtained via fibers, and particularly fibers with tensile strengths above 2.500 MPa, as measured by ASTM D2343, such as synthetic fibers comprising high-performance plastics or polymers.

[0080] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a wire, optionally a wire in a first configuration is configured to have a tensile strength above 2.500 MPa, such as between 3.000-9.000 MPa, more preferably between 3.500-8.000 MPa, such as 3.620 MPa or 7.757 MPa.

[0081] Filaments of different materials

[0082] As described above, a wire may advantageously be formed from multiple filaments, thus providing a wire with both sufficient floatability, buoyancy, and strength. Further advantageously, the multiple filaments may comprise or consist of a mixture of polymers with different properties to further improve the combined properties of the wire. For example, a wire may be formed from one or more first filaments comprising a first polymer having a first density and / or first stretchability, and one or more second filaments comprising a second polymer having a second density and / or second stretchability, to tailor the combined buoyancy / strength properties. A discrete wire with sufficient buoyancy and strength may for example be obtained based on a wire comprising one or more filaments consisting of a first polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and one or more filaments consisting of a second polymer with a density above 1 g / cm3,

[0083] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments comprising or consisting of polymers with different density. In a further embodiment, at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a density above 1 g / cm3,

[0084] In a further or alternative example, a discrete wire with sufficient buoyancy and strength may be obtained based on a wire comprising one or more filaments consisting of a first polymer with a limited stretchability, such as a stretchability of 1-50% relative to its relaxed state, and one or more filaments consisting of a second polymer with a higher stretchability, such as a stretchability of 100-900% relative to its relaxed state. By the P6975PC00

[0085] 14 term “stretchability” of a polymer or filament is meant how much the polymer or filament may be elongated relative to its original relaxed state, before it fractures. The stretchability may thus be quantified as the elongation at break, as further defined in the equation below, where Lo is the original relaxed length, and Lf is the length at fracture under tensile stress.

[0086] Elongation at break (%) = (Lf - Lo) / Lo x 100

[0087] In an embodiment of the disclosure, a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments comprising or consisting of polymers with different stretchability relative to its relaxed state. In a further embodiment, at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a stretchability of 1-50% relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 2- 30%, and most preferably 3-15%, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a stretchability of 100-900% relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 300-800%, and most preferably a stretchability of 500-700%.

[0088] A wire may thus advantageously be formed from first and second types of filaments, and thus comprise a mixture of at least first and second (different) polymers. For example, the wire may comprise first filaments comprising a first polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and / or a limited stretchability of 1-50%, such as a high-performance polymer or a thermoplastic, e.g. UHMWPE, Additionally, the wire may comprise second filaments comprising a second polymer with a density above 1 g / cm3, and / or a higher stretchability of 100-900%, such as elastane. By the term “elastane” is meant a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, which may be synthesized to a target density and / or stretchability. Specific examples of elastane are referred to as Lycra, Spandex and Nylon.

[0089] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first polymer is a high-performance polymer or thermoplastic, a polyolefin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof, and / or a polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene and ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second polymer is elastane, such as Lycra, Spandex and Nylon.

[0090] To obtain sufficient buoyancy, the wire may comprise a higher amount of the first polymer or first filaments relative to the second polymer or second filaments. P6975PC00

[0091] 15

[0092] Preferably, the ratio (in number of filaments and / or weight ratio) between the first polymer and the second polymer is between 100: 1 and 2:1, such as 10: 1. For example, as illustrated in Figure 5B, a wire 3.1 may be an assembly of seven filaments 3.2 of which the six frayed filaments 3.2a are first filaments with a density below 1 g / cm3, and the central filament 3.2b is a second filament with a density above 1 g / cm3, such as elastane. Accordingly, the ratio in number of filaments between the first and second polymer is 6:1.

[0093] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ratio (in number of filaments and / or weight ratio) between the first polymer and the second polymer is between 100:1 and 1:2, more preferably between 75:1 and 3:1 , and most preferably between 50:1 and 5:1, such as 10:1 or 6:1.

[0094] A wire comprising multiple filaments in contact may accordingly assume multiple configurations. Advantageously, in a first configuration, the filaments are bundled to form a partially aligned array, as shown in Figure 5A, where the wire strength of the bundle is higher than each separate filament and storage is convenient. In a second configuration, the filaments are frayed, e.g. to form a cage or a dandelion seed, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C.

[0095] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the multiple filaments are arranged such that a wire has a first configuration where the filaments form a partially aligned array configured for storage, and a second configuration where the filaments are frayed and configured to provide wire buoyancy.

[0096] The configurations may be obtained by the multiple filaments being contacted at one or more contact points, such as one contact point 3.3 as shown in Figure 5C or two contact points 3.3. as shown in Figure 5D.

[0097] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the filaments are joined at two or more contact points along the filament length, wherein a first contact point is located adjacent to a first filament end, and a second contact point is located adjacent to a second filament end. P6975PC00

[0098] 16

[0099] For an efficient switch between the first configuration and the second configuration, at least one filament may have the same arrangement in both configurations. For example, the central and axially oriented second filament 3.2b remains in a similar position in both Figures 5A and 5B and 5C, whereas the first filaments 3.2a deploy around the second filament as seen in Figures 5B and 5C. The second filaments or second polymer may advantageously be bundled and the contact points formed to the first filaments, while the second polymer is in a stretched state. The wires including the stretched second filaments may be rolled onto a bobbin for convenient storage. When the wires are released, the tensile force on the stretched filament is removed, and the second configuration is efficiently obtained.

[0100] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more filaments comprising the second polymer is joined in a stretched state relative to its relaxed state, such that the wire is configured to be in the second configuration on release from the stretched state.

[0101] Release unit

[0102] To obtain an efficient barrier, the wires are released into space such that they may form a barrier with a predetermined shape, such as a plane or a cloud formation, a cupola, or a box shape. For example, to obtain a box shaped barrier, the source of wires may be released from an airborne moving drone. To ensure uniform release of the wires, the wires may be stored in a container with an open and closed configuration. During storage, the container is in the closed configuration, and when container is opened, the wires may be uniformly released. For example, wires may be stored in a mesh container net located at the bottom of the drone. The mesh container net may comprise a drawstring, where pulling the drawstring opens the container, and thereby releases the wires as a bulk, thereby forming a box or bulk shaped barrier.

[0103] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the source of wires comprises a container with an open and closed configuration, such as a mesh container net.

[0104] To further ensure uniform and controlled release of the source of wires, the wires may be stored in a container comprising a propellant configured to eject the wires, similar to a spray paint onto a wall. Hence, a barrier that is shaped as an essential planar surface or a cloud formation may be obtained. Examples of propellants for ejecting the content of a container in a spray pattern include: pressurized gas, spring mechanism, P6975PC00

[0105] 17 explosives, and gunpowder. However, advantageously the propellant is selected from pressurized gas or a spring mechanism, where the release is not associated with a temperature increase. A temperature increase on release may result in the polymeric wires being softened or melted upon release, thereby reducing the buoyancy, strength and entanglement capacity due to agglomeration.

[0106] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the source of wires comprises a propellant configured for releasing the wires into the space. In a further embodiment, the propellant is selected from the group of: pressurized gas, spring mechanism, explosives, gunpowder, and any combinations thereof, and more preferably is pressurized gas or a spring mechanism.

[0107] To further obtain controlled release of the wires and controlling the shape of the barrier formed by the released wires, the system advantageously comprises a release unit 6 as shown in Figures 1-4, and further described in Examples 1-4. As described above, the release unit may be a drawstring facilitating release of the wires to form a bulk shaped barrier, or a propellant facilitating release of the wires as a spray to form an essential planar barrier, as described above. The release unit may be mobile and moving in air, as shown in Figure 2, or the release unit may be stationary located on the ground, such as bomb tube or gas tube, as shown in Figure 1.

[0108] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the release unit is configured to distribute the wires in space on release, thereby forming a barrier of predefined geometry.

[0109] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the release unit is stationary and / or mobile, optionally mobile and configured to move in a predetermined pattern to form a barrier of predefined geometry. In a further embodiment, the release unit is located on the ground and / or airborne. In a further embodiment, the release unit is selected from the group of: bomb tube, projectile, missile, grenade, cannon ball, drone, balloon, and any combinations thereof.

[0110] To further control the release of the wires and the shape of the barrier formed, the release unit 6 may comprise a nozzle dimensioned to provide a cone spray, planar spray, or curved spray. For example, the nozzle may comprise a slit shaped opening, such that the released or ejected wires may form an essential planar barrier after P6975PC00

[0111] 18 release. The nozzle may also comprise a circular, rectangular or curved rectangular opening, and by moving the direction of the nozzle similar to a spray paint, the released or ejected wires may form an essential planar barrier or another geometry.

[0112] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the release unit comprises a nozzle configured to release the wires in a predefined geometry selected from the group of: cone spray, planar spray, curved spray, and any combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the cross sectional shape of the nozzle opening is selected from the group of: circular, rectangular, curved rectangular, and any combinations thereof.

[0113] The height and extent of the barrier formed may depend on the location of the release unit 6. A lower height and extent may be obtained for a stationary unit on the ground, such as a grounded bomb tube releasing and / or ejecting wires to form a barrier, as shown in Figure 1. Though, the stationary unit may be located at an elevated height, e.g. on top of a building, there is a limit on the height.

[0114] A barrier may be formed at higher heights by a mobile release unit, such as a drone, as shown in Figure 2. Further, a mobile release unit facilitates continuous release over time during movement in a predefined trajectory, such that a barrier of larger extent and / or more complex geometry may be obtained.

[0115] A more permanent barrier comprising sufficient high density or number of wires may in addition or alternatively be obtained by wires that are hanging from a release unit 6, as indicated in Figures 3-4. For example, the release unit 6 may be a floating balloon to which the wires 3.1 are attached. In a first configuration, the wires are deployed and hanging or suspended from the balloon, as shown in Figure 3, and in a second configuration, the wires may be retracted in a similar manner as an anchor. The retraction and / or deployment may be activated by one or more actuators. It follows that a similar system may be used under marine conditions, as shown in Figure 4, where the wires are released from a balloon floating in water.

[0116] The wires may further be connected and / or weaved to form a mesh or net. For example, multiple wires each wire comprising 20 filaments, may be connected to form a net with mesh holes of 5 x 5 cm, which may be semi-permanently floating. Preferably P6975PC00

[0117] 19 such nets may be attached to one or more floating balloons, such as extended between two floating balloons.

[0118] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the release unit is attached to the source of wires, for example such that the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit. In a further embodiment, the release unit comprises a first configuration where the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit, and a second configuration where the wires are retracted into the release unit, and / or optionally a third configuration where the wires are released from the release unit, for example after a period of time where the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit.

[0119] In a further embodiment, the release unit comprises one or more actuators for retracting and / or deploying the suspended wires.

[0120] In a further embodiment the release unit is a type of artillery, for example the wires may extend from one or more barrels of the artillery with one end of the wires attached to the artillery, for example the barrel(s).

[0121] In a further embodiment the release unit is configured to provide a positive and / or negative pressure, such as an air pressure, for example functioning as a blower, such as a venturi blower, to extend and / or suspend the wires into space, for example to improve and / or extend the period of floating of the wires, and / or for extending I suspending the wires into the wanted space, e.g. from the ground and up.

[0122] Reference numbers

[0123] 1 - System

[0124] 2 - Space

[0125] 3 - Barrier

[0126] 3.1 - Wires

[0127] 3.2 - Wire strands or filament

[0128] 3.2a - First filament

[0129] 3.2b - Second filament

[0130] 3.3 - Contact point

[0131] 4 - First region

[0132] 5 - Second region P6975PC00

[0133] 20

[0134] 6 - Release unit

[0135] 7 - Drone

[0136] Examples

[0137] The present disclosure is further described by the examples provided below.

[0138] Example 1 - Barrier comprising wires in air released from the ground

[0139] Example 1 is carried out as shown in Figure 1 , where a barrier is formed from floating wires in air released from the ground, e.g. from a bomb tube located at the ground.

[0140] A source of wires is loaded into a bomb tube as a pouch comprising a mesh container net.

[0141] The wires consist of LIHMWPE with a tensile strength of 3.620 MPa or 7.757 MPa.

[0142] The filaments of the wire are arranged with two contact points as shown in Figure 5A (first compacted configuration) and Figure 5B (second branched configuration). Alternatively, the filaments are arranged with a single contact point with second branched configuration as shown in Figure 5C, or with multiple contact points with a second branched configuration as shown in Figure 5D.

[0143] The wire comprises 10 filaments with a circular cross section and a diameter of 0.1 mm, and the wire has a length of 50 mm.

[0144] The wires are released from the bomb tube to a maximum height of 50 m, and a planar barrier is formed, and remains suspended for an amount of time of 1 hour.

[0145] Example 2 - Barrier comprising wires in air released from a drone

[0146] Example 2 is carried out as shown in Figure 2, where a barrier is formed from floating wires in air released from an airborne drone.

[0147] A source of wires is loaded into a drone as a pouch including a propellant of pressurized gas.

[0148] Similar wires as for Example 1 is used. P6975PC00

[0149] 21

[0150] The wires are released from the drone at a height of 500 m while moving in a linear trajectory. A planer barrier is formed, and remains suspended for an amount of time of 1 hour.

[0151] Example 3 - Barrier comprising suspended wires in air

[0152] Example 3 is carried out as shown in Figure 3, where a barrier is formed from wires hanging or suspended from a floating balloon in the air. Accordingly, the area or building may be more permanently protected. The semi-permanently barriers of Examples 1-2 may be combined with, or replaced with, the more permanent barrier.

[0153] Instead of a propellant, the interconnected wires are released into space by an actuator configured to suspend the wires. The released wires then form a barrier in a similar manner as a beaded door curtain. The actuator may further be configured for retracting the interconnected wires.

[0154] The wires consist of LIHMWPE with a tensile strength of 3.620 MPa or 7.757 MPa.

[0155] The filaments of the wire are arranged with two contact points as shown in Figure 5A (first compacted configuration) and Figure 5B (second branched configuration). Alternatively, the filaments are arranged with a single contact point with second branched configuration as shown in Figure 5C, or with multiple contact points with a second branched configuration as shown in Figure 5D.

[0156] The wire comprises 50 filaments with a circular cross section and a diameter of 5 mm, and the wire has a length of 1000 mm.

[0157] Example 4 - Barrier comprising floating wires in water

[0158] The system described in Example 3 may eguivalently be used for protection of maritime areas and structures, such as cables and offshore installations, against water drones, submarines, and similar waterborne vehicles.

[0159] The same wires as for Example 3 may be used. P6975PC00

[0160] 22

[0161] Example 4 is carried out as shown in Figure 4, where a barrier is formed from wires hanging or suspended from a floating balloon in water.

[0162] Items

[0163] The presently disclosed may be described in further detail with reference to the following items.

[0164] 1 . An interception system for drones comprising: a source of wires configured to be released into a space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length between 0.1-300 m, and a release unit configured to extend and / or release the wires into the space, for example to form a barrier separating the space into a first region and a second region.

[0165] 2. The system according to item 1 , wherein the wires are configured to be released independently into the space to form discretely suspended wires, preferably independently self-suspended wires for floating in the space.

[0166] 3. The system according to item 2, wherein the wires are configured to be released without being attached to an auxiliary device.

[0167] 4. The system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of a biodegradable polymer.

[0168] 5. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of a high-performance polymer or thermoplastic.

[0169] 6. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof.

[0170] 7. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise or consist of polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene and ultra- P6975PC00

[0171] 23 high-molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE), more preferably comprises LIHMWPE, and most preferably consist of LIHMWPE.

[0172] 8. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wire surface comprises a surface roughness, such as a terry cloth surface.

[0173] 9. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires have a length of between 0.3-250 m, more preferably between 0.6-200 m or 0.9-150 m, and most preferably between 1-100 m, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 m and / or wherein the wires have a length of at least 10 m, preferably at least 25 m, more preferably at least 50 m, most preferably at least 100 m, and / or wherein the wires have a length of less than 300, preferably less than 250 m, more preferably less than 200 m, most preferably less than 100 m.

[0174] 10. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires have a cross sectional shape selected from the group of: circle, ellipse, oval, stadium, polygonal, and any combinations thereof.

[0175] 11 . The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires have a cross sectional dimension with a major axis length of between 0.012-1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.025-1.2 mm, and most preferably between 0.05-1 mm, such as 0.07, 0.09, 0.1 , 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 0.9 mm.

[0176] 12. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the cross sectional dimension is a diameter.

[0177] 13. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the wires comprise multiple strands or filaments, preferably filaments are weaved to form a wire.

[0178] 14. The system according to item 13, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged such that a wire has a first configuration where the filaments form a partially P6975PC00

[0179] 24 aligned array providing wire strength, and a second configuration where the filaments form a web providing wire buoyancy.

[0180] 15. The system according to item 14, wherein the wires are configured to be in the first configuration under storage condition.

[0181] 16. The system according to any one of items 14-15, wherein the wires are configured to be in the second configuration upon exposure to a fluid flow.

[0182] 17. The system according to any one of items 14-16, wherein the wires are configured to be in the first configuration upon contact impact, such as contact impact with a propeller.

[0183] 18. The system according any one items 13-17, wherein the filaments are joined at one or more contact points along the filament length.

[0184] 19. The system according to item 18, wherein the at least one contact point is located adjacent to a first filament end, and / or adjacent to a second filament end.

[0185] 20. The system according to any one of items 14-19, wherein the arrangement of at least one filament is the same in the first and second configuration.

[0186] 21. The system according to item 18, wherein the filaments are deployed around the at least one filament that is the same in the first and second configuration.

[0187] 22. The system according to any one of items 14-21 , wherein the filaments in the second configuration forms a web with a shape as a cage, a feather, or a dandelion seed.

[0188] 23. The system according to any one of items 13-22, wherein the wire comprises between 2-50 filaments, more preferably between 5-40 filaments, and most preferably between 10-30 filaments, such as 15, 20, or 25.

[0189] 24. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a wire, optionally a wire in a first configuration, is configured to have a tensile strength above 2.500 MPa, such as between 3.000-9.000 MPa, more preferably between 3.500-8.000 MPa, such as 3.620 MPa or 7.757 MPa. P6975PC00

[0190] 25

[0191] 25. The system according to any one of items 13-24, wherein a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments for example comprising or consisting of polymers with different density.

[0192] 26. The system according to item 25, wherein at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a density above 1 g / cm3,

[0193] 27. The system according to any one of items 25-26, wherein a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments comprising or consisting of polymers with different stretchability relative to its relaxed state.

[0194] 28. The system according to item 27, wherein at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a stretchability of 1-50% relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 2-30%, and most preferably 3-15%, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a stretchability of at least 100%, such as 100-900%, relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 300-800%, and most preferably 500-700%.

[0195] 29. The system according to any one of items 26-28, wherein the first polymer is a high-performance polymer or thermoplastic, a polyolefin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof, and / or a polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0196] 30. The system according to any one of items 26-29, wherein the second polymer is elastane, such as nylon or spandex.

[0197] 31. The system according to any one of items 26-30, wherein the ratio between the first polymer and the second polymer is between 100:1 and 2:1, more preferably between 75:1 and 3:1 , and most preferably between 50:1 and 5:1, such as 10:1 or 6:1. P6975PC00

[0198] 26

[0199] 32. The system according to any one of items 25-31, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged such that a wire has a first configuration where the filaments form a partially aligned array and / or string configured for storage, and a second configuration where the filaments are frayed and configured to provide wire buoyancy.

[0200] 33. The system according to any one of items 25-32, wherein the filaments are joined at two or more contact points along the filament length, wherein a first contact point is located adjacent to a first filament end, and a second contact point is located adjacent to a second filament end.

[0201] 34. The system according to any one of items 26-33, wherein the one or more filaments comprising the second polymer is joined in a stretched state relative to its relaxed state, such that the wire is configured to be in the second configuration on release from the stretched state.

[0202] 35. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the source of wires comprises a container with an open and closed configuration, such as a mesh container net.

[0203] 36. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the source of wires comprises a propellant configured for releasing the wires into the space.

[0204] 37. The system according to item 36, wherein the propellant is selected from: pressurized gas, spring mechanism, explosives, gunpowder, and any combinations thereof, and more preferably is pressurized gas or a spring mechanism.

[0205] 38. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is configured to distribute the wires in space on release to form a barrier of predefined geometry.

[0206] 39. The system according to item 38, wherein the barrier is an essential planar surface, a cloud formation, or a chamber shape. P6975PC00

[0207] 27

[0208] 40. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the barrier comprises between 1-100 wires / m3, more preferably between 5-90 wires / m3, and most preferably between 10-80 wires / m3, such as 20, 40 or 60 wires / m3.

[0209] 41 . The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit comprises a nozzle configured to release the wires in a predefined geometry selected from the group of: cone spray, planar spray, curved spray, and any combinations thereof.

[0210] 42. The system according to item 41 , wherein the cross sectional shape of the nozzle opening is selected from the group of: circular, rectangular, curved rectangular, and any combinations thereof.

[0211] 43. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is stationary and / or mobile, optionally mobile and configured to move in a predetermined pattern to form a barrier of predefined geometry.

[0212] 44. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is located on the ground and / or airborne.

[0213] 45. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is selected from the group of: bomb tube, projectile, missile, grenade, cannon ball, drone, balloon, and any combinations thereof.

[0214] 46. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is attached to the source of wires, for example such that the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit.

[0215] 47. The system according to item 46, wherein the release unit comprises a first configuration where the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit, and a second configuration where the wires are retracted into the release unit, and optionally a third configuration where the wires are released from the release unit, for example after a period of time where the wires extend and / or are suspended from the release unit. P6975PC00

[0216] 28

[0217] 48. The system according to any one of items 46-47, wherein the release unit comprises one or more actuators for retracting and / or deploying the suspended wires.

[0218] 49. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is a type of artillery.

[0219] 50. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is a type of artillery, and wherein the wires extend from one or more barrels of the artillery with one end of the wires attached to the artillery, for example the barrel(s).

[0220] 51. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the release unit is configured to provide a positive and / or negative pressure, such as an air pressure, for example function as a blower, such as a venturi blower, to extend and / or suspend the wires into space, for example to improve floating of the wires.

[0221] 52. A method for intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles, such as one or more drones, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended independent elements occupying the space and / or floating in the space for a period of time, and intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles entering the space occupied by the floating wires by entangling one or more propellers of the vehicles, optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time. P6975PC00

[0222] 29

[0223] 53. A method for creating a protective barrier for a period of time, such as in air, for example for preventing penetration of the barrier by one or more propeller driven vehicles, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended independent elements occupying the space and / or floating in the space for a period of time thereby forming a protective barrier, optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time.

[0224] 54. The method according to any of the preceding items 52-53, wherein the period of time is at least one minute, preferably at least 3 minutes, more preferably at least 5 minutes, even more preferably at least 10 minutes, yet even more preferably at least 15 minutes, most preferably at least 30 minutes, yet most preferably at least 60 minutes.

[0225] 55. The method according to any of the preceding items 52-53, executed using the system according to any one of the items 1-51.

Claims

P6975PC0030Claims1 . An interception system for drones comprising: a source of wires configured to be released independently into a space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, and a release unit configured to release the wires into space.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the wires comprise or consist of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof.

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires comprise or consist of polyethylene.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires comprise or consist of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires are configured to be released independently into the space to form discretely and independently suspended wires for floating in the space.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the wires are configured to be released without being attached to an auxiliary device.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires have a length of between 5 and 200 m.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release unit is configured to release the wires to form a barrier separating the space into a first region and a second region.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires have a cross sectional dimension with a major axis length or a diameter of between 0.05-1 mm.P6975PC003110. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wires comprise multiple strands or filaments.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged such that a wire has a first configuration where the filaments form a partially aligned array providing wire strength, and a second configuration where the filaments form a web providing wire buoyancy.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wires are configured to be in the first configuration under storage condition, and / or upon contact impact, such as contact impact with a propeller and wherein the wires are configured to be in the second configuration upon exposure to a fluid flow.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the filaments are joined at one or more contact points along the filament length.

14. The system according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the filaments in the second configuration forms a web with a shape as a cage, a feather, or a dandelion seed.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wire, optionally a wire in a first configuration, is configured to have a tensile strength above 3600 MPa.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments comprising or consisting of polymers with different density.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a density above 1 g / cm3.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a wire comprises multiple filaments, the filaments comprising or consisting of polymers with different stretchability relative to its relaxed state.P6975PC003219. The system according to claim 18, wherein at least one first filament comprises or consists of a first polymer with a stretchability of 1-50% relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 2-30%, and most preferably 3-15%, and at least one second filament comprises or consists of a second polymer with a stretchability of at least 100%, such as 100-900%, relative to its relaxed state, more preferably 300-800%, and most preferably 500-700%.

20. The system according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the first polymer is a high-performance polymer or thermoplastic, a polyolefin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and any mixtures thereof, and / or a polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

21. The system according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the second polymer is elastane, such as nylon or spandex.

22. The system according to any one of claims 17-21 , wherein the ratio between the first polymer and the second polymer is between 100:1 and 2:1 , more preferably between 75:1 and 3:1 , and most preferably between 50:1 and 5:1, such as 10:1 or 6:1.

23. The system according to any one of claims 16-22, wherein the multiple filaments are arranged such that the corresponding wire has a first configuration where the filaments form a partially aligned array and / or string configured for storage, and a second configuration where the filaments are frayed and configured to provide wire buoyancy.

24. The system according to any one of claims 16-23, wherein the filaments are joined at two or more contact points along the filament length, wherein a first contact point is located adjacent to a first filament end, and a second contact point is located adjacent to a second filament end.

25. The system according to any one of claims 16-24, wherein the one or more filaments comprising the second polymer is joined in a stretched state relativeP6975PC0033 to its relaxed state, such that the wire is configured to be in the second configuration on release from the stretched state.

26. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the source of wires comprises a propellant configured for releasing the wires into the space, optionally wherein the propellant is selected from: pressurized gas, spring mechanism, explosives, gunpowder, and any combinations thereof, and more preferably is pressurized gas or a spring mechanism27. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier comprises between 1-100 wires / m3, more preferably between 5-90 wires / m3, and most preferably between 10-80 wires / m3, such as 20, 40 or 60 wires / m3.

28. A method for intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles, such as one or more drones, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m, transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended independent elements occupying the space and / or floating in the space for a period of time, intercepting one or more propeller driven airborne vehicles entering the space occupied by the floating wires by entangling one or more propellers of the vehicles optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time.

29. A method for creating a protective barrier for a period of time, such as in air, for example for preventing penetration of the barrier by one or more propeller driven vehicles, the method comprising releasing a source of wires into a space, such as a volume of air, such that the wires form discrete elements in the space, wherein the wires comprise a polymer with a density below 1 g / cm3, and each wire having a cross sectional dimension of between 0.012-1.5 mm, and a length of at least 1 m,P6975PC0034 transforming the wires into a second configuration providing wire buoyancy such that the wires form discretely suspended independent elements occupying the space and / or floating in the space for a period of time thereby forming a protective barrier, - optionally repeating the release of an additional source of wires, for example after the period of time.

30. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 28-29, wherein the period of time is at least 5 minutes.

31. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 28-29, wherein the period of time is at least 15 minutes.

32. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 28-31 , executed using the system according to any one of the claims 1-27.

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