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Anritsu Introduces AeroShield Software for RF Drone Detection and Tracking

As a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) system integrator, Anritsu understands the growing concern among public organizations, governmental and security agencies, as well as others in the private sector over the increasing proliferation of drones. To address these concerns Anritsu has introduced the AeroShield RF Drone Detect and Tracking Application.

Drones are able to execute intrusions into secure areas like military bases, airport space, nuclear facilities, and public events. Single sensor solutions (consisting of RF, camera, radar, etc. only) are not sufficient to protect against drone incursions. Some drones may fly “RF silent” using a pre-programmed itinerary that leverages GPS for navigation. An RF detection and tracking solution would not work in this situation, necessitating the use of cameras and radar as the primary means of defense. A multi-sensor approach must be implemented to help provide maximum protection against drone incursions.

Anritsu’s AeroShield software is a critical component of any C-UAS multi-sensor solution. AeroShield detects and tracks drone activity using the drone’s video transmission. After profiling the spectrum, new signals entering the area are evaluated. Once the signal is validated as a drone transmission, an RF drone detection and tracking application is automatically launched.  I/Q files are downloaded from each Anritsu Remote Spectrum Monitor deployed for accurate drone geo-location using TDOA. The AeroShield software then creates a report that details the date and time of the incursion as well as the flight path taken. Flight information can be saved using a TXT, CSV, or KML file (KML files can then be displayed using Google Earth). Alarms can also be sent via email to alert user(s) of a drone incursion.

AeroShield can be quickly integrated into a C-UAS integrator’s software dashboard through the use of an application programming interface (API). The API contains all the functions and algorithms required for RF detection and tracking. Along with the API, a demonstration program is available to show AeroShield capabilities prior to the integration effort.

Typical use cases for AeroShield RF monitoring and tracking drones include:

Federal government and defense Utilities Stadiums/Arenas for public events Border patrol               Critical infrastructure (nuclear plants)   VIP Meetings Correctional facilities Public safety entities Airports Terrorism/Drug cartel mitigation Resorts (protecting individual privacy) Corporations AeroShield API

AeroShield's API contains functions required for both drone detection and tracking using RF signals transmitted by the drone video. System integrators use the API to incorporate the drone detection and tracking algorithms into their system-level software. Anritsu’s AeroShield RF solution is then combined by the integrator with their own portfolio of sensors. These sensors might include optical, acoustic, radar, or other components to complete a drone mitigation system.The AeroShield application works with Anritsu’s line of Remote Spectrum Monitor receivers to provide a complete RF solution for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Tools for the System Integrator

Various tools and programs are made available to the system integrator to demonstrate the AeroShield application’s capability to detect and track drone activity. These tools include the following:

Drone detection and tracking demonstration program The user interface for the demonstration program is shown in the following figure. The API provides capabilities for setting up spectrum masks, drone detection, alarming, reporting, and drone tracking. Both online and offline mapping capabilities are provided. A minimum of three Remote Spectrum Monitor hardware units are needed to use the application.

Drone Detect/Track Simulator The user interface for the simulator is presented in the following figure. Users can place Remote Spectrum Monitor hardware anywhere on a map and simulate drone intrusion into the area covered by the monitors. Users can also vary the duty cycle of the drone signal, add various levels of Square or Gaussian noise, and vary the drone signal amplitude level. Default drone signals are provided with the simulator, however, users may also use their own custom signals if needed. These features provide the simulator with capabilities that can closely match a real RF environment and drone signal.

Track Viewer Track Viewer is a program that allows the user to review a history of tracking events captured by AeroShield. Events can be sorted by date, frequency, duration, or distance. This is a post-processing tool. This illustrated in the following figure.

The API provides all the functions and features to control both the AeroShield software and Remote Spectrum Monitor hardware. These building blocks allow the user to detect and continuously geo-locate a drone’s RF signal.