Your Choice of Detection

The Aero-Ark offers two types of UAS detection service, these can be used in isolation or combined.

Wide Range Early Detection

Wide Range Early Detection (WiRED) combines Forward Scatter Analysis of radio waves with Artificial Intelligence to provide a long-range early warning system for UAS detection.

Close Range Identification

Close Range Identification (CRI) utilizes channel scanning and decryption to identify UAS incursions and provide granular identification and tracking data.

Wide Range Early Detection

Wide Range Early Detection (WiRED) is a form of Passive Radar Technology that when combined with our AI programming and algorithms can provide an Aero-Ark user with a wide-range early warning system for counter-UAS. The evolution of our training data means we are constantly updating the granularity of data to include features such as manufacturer, model and identified payload.

The Aero-Ark is a Passive Radar, it receives the radio waves from five satellite types covering a variety of spectrums. This is done to both increase coverage and range whilst using collaborative processes to make ultra-precise decision making.

The Aero-Ark receives from satellites on the following spectrums:

• HF

• VHF

• UHF

• L-Band

• GNSS

In addition, the Aero-Ark now uses traditional aircraft output signals (ADSB and ACARS L-Band) in a closed loop identifier process whereby the ADSB and L-Band signals act as both illuminator and receiver. You can read more on this technology on this post from our sister company.

The signature of the moving drone can be captured as the Doppler signature. When a moving object infiltrates a radar system, there would be some differences in the signal amplitude and frequency. The differences in the signal are caused by scattering of the signal that happens when the signal collides with the object. The factors that affect the signal are the speed and the size of the object, and also the distance between the object to the receiver. This phenomenon is called the Doppler Effect.

To further validate the presence of a drone and determine factors such as it's likely size, manufacturer and payload, the scatter signal of the doppler signature is passed through our AI algorithms. This occurs on-board the Aero-Ark via offloading to the FPGA rather than being backhauled to a remote server, this can save valuable seconds in a kinetic environment.

The Aero-Ark updates positions every 22 milliseconds by analysing and processing doppler signatures on a continuous basis from a multitude of transmitters.

Features

• Scalable detection range up to 120 NM

• Continuous coverage

• LoS not required

• Protection from stealth

Close Range Identification

Close Range Identification (CRI) utilizes frequency scanning, demodulation and decryption to identify UAS operating on various frequencies. CRI can provide the Aero-Ark host with crucial identifier information such as:

• Manufacturer

• SSID

• Operating Frequency

• GPS

• Take-Off GPS

• Direction of Travel

• Speed

• Altitude

The information obtained is plotted on a live map on Aero-Ark's with incorporated screens or alternatively made available as a live JSON feed in an encrypted server.

To encapsulate UAS operating on different protocols, Aero-Ark scans specific sections of the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz spectrum as well as L-Band and LTE. This covers UAS' operating on enhanced WiFi, Occusync, LTE and SATCOM. Our testing and real-world use have shown that this covers 99.87% of all UAS' that have ever been recognized.

Combining this network scanning with SAW Filters and Low Noise Amplifiers allows the Aero-Ark to search specifically for the message packets emitted by UAS, demodulate and decrypt them to a form that allows for readable data.

Not only does this data deliver a real-time airspace discovery tool up to 4.5Km it also provides valuable information for onward decision-making including the specific operating frequency.

Technical Specifications

The Aero-Ark consists of:

• Intel i7 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Memory

• NVIDIA TX2 FPGA

• Aero-Ark Octo Rx Daughter Board

• Trans-Ark 400MHz- 2.2Ghz Full Duplex (120Mhz Instant Bandwidth)

• Trans-Ark 1.2Ghz- 6.0Ghz full Duplex (120Mhz instant Bandwidth)

• L-Band Patch Antenna

• Omni Directional VHF/UHF Antenna

• GPS Antenna

• Omni Directional 2.4GHz and 5Ghz Antenna

• LTE Antenna

• LCD Screen (228mm x 161mm)

• IP67 Durable Case with Deployable Wheels

• Mounting Bracket for Fixed Deployment

• Connectivity- LTE, L-BAND SATCOM, WiFi, PoE, Starlink, 60Ghz

• Power- PoE, Region Specific Mains Adapter, 2 x TB65 Batteries, (Optional Solar Unit)

Statistics

• Lightning Rating: IEC61000-4-5 6KV

• Electromagnetic Compatibility: This equipment meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements and also meets below criteria:
  Europe:
  EN 55032: 2015
  EN 55024: 2010+A1:2015
  EN 61000-3-2: 2014
  EN 61000-3-3: 2013
  United States:
  47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B:2016

• Approx Power Consumption: Approx. 70W

• Input Voltage: Voltage range: 100V AC ~ 240V AC

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +50°C (without solar radiation)
  '-30°C to +45°C (with solar radiation)

• Relative Humidity: 5% RH ~ 100% RH

• Absolute Humidity: 1 g/m3 ~ 30 g/m3

• Atmospheric Pressure: 70 kPa ~ 106 kPa

• Dimensions: 330 mm(H) × 285 mm (W)× 130 mm (D)

• Weight: 7Kg

Buy Aero-Ark

Aero-Ark Detection Systems are an OTS item, can be self-setup and installed by any user.

WiRed Model

Our WiRed System is used to detect all drone types including those operating "dark". The WiRed system will not however provide the decoded packets for DJI devices, it will only identify and track.

CRI Model

Our CRI Model is a direct replacement for the DJI Aeroscope, giving near identical 360 degree range and decoding transmitted packets on both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. This model will not detect dark drones.

This model will perform the detection functions of both the WiRed and CRI models.

Combined Model

Outbound Actions

The on-board Trans-Ark Daughterboards allow for outbound Rf actions where permitted by law.

Autonomous decision making parameters and policies can be determined by a user directly from the Aero-Ark interface at device level.

Real-time JSON out feeds and API suite allow for direct connectivity to external systems for kinetic decision making including automated and manual processes.