New Technology Uses Acoustic Energy to Neutralize Drone Threats

Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. has introduced Acoustic Resonance Mitigation (ARM)—a technology that disables drones using precisely directed acoustic energy.

This system offers a cost-effective, scalable, and non-kinetic solution for countering rogue UAVs across military, security, and law enforcement applications.

ARM disrupts drone flight by emitting sonic, ultrasonic, and subsonic waves that induce vibrations or Prandtl layer instability, ultimately leading to flight failure. Propeller blades, in particular, are highly susceptible to ARM’s effects, either through increased turbulence or by transferring destabilizing vibrations to the drone’s inertial measurement unit (IMU), compromising its ability to maintain stability.

ARM technology was developed by Fractal CEO Nathan Cohen, an astrophysicist with 55 years of experience and 94 U.S. patents. Recognizing the growing challenge posed by quadcopter drones over a decade ago, Cohen leveraged FRACTAL’s expertise in antenna and array technology to develop ARM’s sophisticated acoustic arrays, which operate primarily at ultrasonic frequencies—inaudible to humans but highly disruptive to drones.

Cohen notes, “The propellor blades become a driven oscillator from ARM, and even isolating the MEMS at the IMU from these oscillations is impractical, especially in smaller drones. The result is flight disruption.”

Cohen added, “You can’t legally shoot a drone or zap it with microwaves outside military settings. Lasers are costly and affected by humidity. ARM offers an effective alternative for government and enterprise security.”

ARM offers a highly portable and cost-effective countermeasure for drones of various sizes, from microdrones to larger UAVs. At just pennies per use, it provides an efficient defense mechanism with a viable operational range. One of its most advanced implementations is DRONE BLASTR™, a patent-pending, in situ adaptation that can be mounted on attack drones or aerial support platforms to disable enemy drone swarms mid-flight.

Beyond military applications, ARM is expected to play a critical role in border security, anti-surveillance efforts, and countering illicit drone activities, including drug smuggling. As the use of drones in unauthorized operations continues to rise, Cohen sees ARM as an essential tool for securing restricted airspace and protecting high-risk areas from aerial threats.

Cohen added, “ARM is a major facet of FRACTAL’s journey into drone defense and counter defense. It is a perfect complement to the fractal-based antenna and metamaterial products we are rolling out in these markets in the coming weeks. Government, public safety agencies, and related enterprises should explore partnering with FRACTAL as ARM moves towards product stages.”