Smith Myers

Smith Myers is a UK-based developer of mobile phone detection and location systems for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Built on four decades of industry experience and complex wireless technology expertise, the company’s innovative products provide game-changing capabilities for challenging applications such as search and rescue and ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).

All of Smith Myers’ hardware and software development is performed by a team of in-house experts, ensuring complete ownership and deep knowledge of the technology. The company’s products are qualified to RTCA DO-160G, ensuring the utmost in reliability in challenging airborne environments.

Smith Myers’ groundbreaking ARTEMIS system has been selected by Schiebel for full integration into the S-100 Camcopter UAS, as well as by Teledyne FLIR as part of its SkyRanger R70 and R80D drone platforms.

ARTEMIS

Mobile phone detection & location system for search & rescue

The ARTEMIS MPDLS (mobile phone detection and location system) is a versatile SDR-based system that can be used to detect and geolocate missing persons through mobile phones. Deployable on a wide range of uncrewed systems, it is compatible with all generations of cellular technology and all frequency bands around the world.

The system requires no network infrastructure, acting as a simulated Base Transceiver Station (BTS) or cell tower and searching for the unique IMSI and IMEI numbers that identify the user and device. Upon detection, the system handshakes with the device, extracts the data from it and if it is a device of interest, geolocation takes place and an icon is placed on the map. In mass mapping mode, the system can display all devices in a particular area, allowing operators to select a specific target for geolocation. Devices can also be filtered by country of origin.

ARTEMIS can detect and geolocate phones in areas of up to 35km radius in 2G, and 12km radius in LTE, depending on aircraft altitude and the surrounding terrain. Geolocation accuracy is approximately 150m for 2G and 30-40m for 4G.

ARTEMIS is available in a number of different variants to suit a range of requirements and airborne platforms. The fully ruggedized and waterproof ARTEMIS-Flex is also available for deployment on vessels and small land vehicles such as snowmobiles.

More information: ARTEMIS mobile phone detection & location system

ARTEMIS+

Mobile phone detection & location system for ISR

ARTEMIS+ is a variant of the ARTEMIS system that has been designed as a turnkey solution for ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) drones. Suitable for all platform types, including fixed-wing, multirotor and unmanned helicopter, it utilizes the same advanced SDR capabilities and is compatible with all generations of cellular communications.

The system presents as a real cellular network to interact with all devices in the area, displaying them in a convenient list for further investigation. Information gathered from the devices can be used for target identification and investigation, and data can be exported to or imported from other intelligence systems and workflows.

ARTEMIS+ utilizes proprietary geolocation techniques that are faster and more accurate than traditional direction-finding methods. It can detect and geolocate phones in areas of up to 35km radius in 2G, and 12km radius in LTE, depending on aircraft altitude and the surrounding terrain. Geolocation accuracy is approximately 150m for 2G and 30-40m for 4G.

As with ARTEMIS, ARTEMIS+ also features a mass mapping mode.

UAV Integration

Smith Myers works closely with drone OEMs to integrate their MPDLS solutions into a variety of platforms. Systems can be controlled via common mesh radio units such as Silvus and Microhard products, or over the drone’s link with the GCS. This enables a range of useful functionality such as the ability to automatically cue UAV sensors towards positions specified by the MPDLS.