Counter-Attack UAV Interception for Neutralizing Target Drones

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) posing risks due to their speed, maneuverability, and ability to carry payloads, which makes them potential hazards for collisions or attacks on critical infrastructure, necessitates an effective system for detection and neutralization, especially in large airspaces where existing countermeasures are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a counter-attack UAV with a flight control system and aerial vehicle detection sensors that detect and intercept target UAVs, using command data to facilitate neutralization through aerial vehicle countermeasures, such as nets or capture devices, supported by ground-based detection systems and on-board sensors for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing countermeasure technologies are used to protect large airspace, then protection coverage is achieved, but cost and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the protected airspace into multiple zones monitored by distributed detection sensors, with counter-attack UAVs deployed as independent interceptors. Each component operates semi-autonomously, reducing central system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counter-attack UAVs are equipped with autonomous navigation and interception capabilities, performing detection, pursuit, and neutralization tasks without requiring complex ground control systems. The system serves itself by having the UAVs independently execute countermeasures against detected threats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If countermeasure systems are deployed to neutralize target UAVs, then threat neutralization is achieved, but response time is reduced due to detection and interception delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreat neutralizationVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Detection sensors continuously monitor airspace for incoming threats before they reach the protected area. Counter-attack UAVs are pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment upon threat detection, reducing the time from threat identification to neutralization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies countermeasures against the target UAV by deploying counter-attack UAVs that intercept and neutralize threats before they can complete their harmful objective, preventing the threat from reaching critical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If multiple detection sensors are deployed to monitor large airspace, then detection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensors are designed to perform multiple functions including target detection, tracking, and classification using a single integrated system. The counter-attack UAVs also serve dual purposes as both interceptors and verification sensors, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3837488B1Close proximity countermeasures for neutralizing target aerial vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 PALLADYNE CORP US
  • EP3837488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3837488B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3837488B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for detecting and neutralizing a target aerial vehicle comprises a counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a flight body and a flight control system supported about the flight body operable to facilitate flight of the UAV, and an aerial vehicle countermeasure supported by the flight body. The system can comprise an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect a target aerial vehicle while in-flight, and operable to provide command data to the counter-attack UAV to facilitate interception of the target aerial vehicle by the counter-attack UAV. Upon interception of the target aerial vehicle, the counter-attack UAV is operable to disrupt operation of the detected target aerial vehicle with the aerial vehicle capture countermeasure, thereby neutralizing the target aerial vehicle. The counter-attack UAV and systems may be autonomously operated. Associated systems and methods are provided.