DARPA Demos Mobile Force Protection C-UAS Program

By Mike Ball / 15 Jun 2021

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

DARPA counter-UAS system

DARPA has successfully demonstrated a counter-unmanned air system (C-UAS) multilayer defense architecture as part of its Mobile Force Protection (MFP) program. The tests, performed at Eglin Air Force Base, showcased the system’s ability to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions over military installations or operations.

The low-cost reusable drone interceptor system was developed with the aim of creating an integrated system to defeat attacks from self-guided small drones. This system is designed to protect high value convoys moving through potentially populated regions where there is a requirement to avoid using explosive defensive weapons in order to mitigate collateral damage.

The technology demonstrator successfully neutralized tactically-relevant drones using a newly-developed X-band radar that automatically senses and identifies UAS threats. The radar then pairs targets to specific interceptors through an automated decision engine tied to a command and control system, launching and guiding rotary and fixed wing interceptors with two types of drone countermeasures while on the move and without operator intervention.

The system requirements called for non-kinetic solutions that could be employed in and around civilian areas. The primary interception method shoots strong, stringy streamers from reusable interceptors, interfering with propellers and causing loss of propulsion. The focus on defeating raids with multiple threats, rather than single drone attackers, required the development of an integrated solution of sensors, autonomy, and mitigation solutions more robust than existing systems.

Gregory Avicola, MFP program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, commented: “Because we were focusing on protecting mobile assets, the program emphasized solutions with a small footprint in terms of size, weight, and power. This also allows for more affordable systems and less operators.”

Find suppliers & manufacturers of Counter UAS Technology >>

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Feb 14, 2025
FlyingBasket to Discuss Drone Industry Challenges at XPO Europe

FlyingBasket CTO Matthias Moroder will join a panel at Xponential Europe to discuss the regulatory and market challenges hindering drone industry growth, and the importance of collaboration for wider adoption

Feb 14, 2025
Advanced EFI Engines for Commercial & Industrial Drones

INF Inject's 2- and 4-stroke EFI engines can be provided with a range of options such as alternators, starter-alternators and generators

Feb 14, 2025
SDO 50 UAV Completes Long-Distance BVLOS Pipeline Inspection

SwissDrones’ SDO 50 UAV has successfully carried out a 550-kilometer BVLOS pipeline inspection in Queensland, providing precise, actionable data while maintaining high safety standards

Feb 14, 2025
Enhancing Unmanned System Reliability with SCS Silicone Conformal Coatings

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) provides advanced conformal coating solutions to protect unmanned systems’ electronics from extreme conditions, ensuring durability, reliability, and compliance with evolving industry standards

Feb 14, 2025
Explore Geospatial Tools with Blue Marble at XPONENTIAL Europe

Blue Marble Geographics will showcase advanced geospatial software at XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, featuring live demos of the Global Mapper Suite and advanced geospatial tools

Feb 14, 2025

Featured Content

Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Feb 06, 2025