Drone Camera Tracking Systems

Camera tracking systems are a common detection method used in counter-drone solutions. They provide an early warning of potential drone threats, and may be used to protect a wide variety of vulnerable civilian and military sites including airports, government buildings, power stations, command posts and forward operating bases.

Counter-drone camera systems may include both visible/electro-optical cameras as well as thermal infrared cameras, enabling them to detect targets both during the day and at night. They may be encased in a rugged PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) system that allows the cameras to be rotated and tilted in all directions, providing 360-degree protection. They may be installed on vehicles and ships as well as buildings and fixed sites.

Drone Detection Camera Capabilities

Hawkeye electro-optical surveillance system by Chess Dynamics

The capabilities of drone detection cameras may be enhanced with software that provides functionalities such as automatic tracking of multiple targets, as well as identification and classification. These features may be aided by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.

Visual drone detection provides a number of advantages for counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems). They enable operators to pick out additional details about the aircraft that other methodologies may miss, such as the payloads being carried by the drone. They also allow images and video to be recorded for further analysis or for use as evidence for prosecution.

Drone detection cameras may be grouped together with other detection technologies, such as acoustic, radar and RF, to provide a complete solution that can pick up a wide variety of drone threats at different distances and under a range of conditions. These detectors may also be integrated with other counter-UAS technologies such as RF and GPS jammers, drone capture nets, and kinetic effectors.