Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Defense System

Unmet Need
Commercially available small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) have become a popular pastime for enthusiasts, but widespread commercial utilization has raised many security concerns. Specifically, Wi-Fi-based sUAS have shown to be used in high-level security attacks by cyberterrorists and foreign entities. Recent developments in sUAS defense technology have exploited sUAS’ zero-day vulnerabilities, causing the user’s controller to be disconnected and force a landing in order to prevent a security attack. However, these defense systems are typically not applicable for top sUAS vendor products and remain completely unmanned, raising concerns about their efficacy.

Technology Overview
The disclosed invention is a defense system for commercial UAVs that detect the presence of Wi-Fi sUAS, and immediately halt their progression toward a defended area. The system improves on existing technologies as it can be used on virtually all major sUAS vendor products and extracts key features from intruding sUAS to determine the best method of obstruction. In addition, the system uses a manned Attack Module system: a manned network that allows a human user to verify a course of action and ensure that the sUAS has been removed from the airspace.

Stage of Development
The modules have been developed and extensively tested.

Publications
Hooper et al., IEEE Xplore Nov 2016
 

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