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are possible and must be planned for. As always,
the first step in any response is identification of the
issue.
SkyTracker provides UAS detection and identification at drone speed: in real time, without reliance
on humans, 24×7 and in any weather. The system
operates using a network of sensors, which can be
emplaced or mobile, to discover and identify drones
within its range. SkyTracker is an extensible system, and is currently in use protecting areas ranging from several hundred square meters to over 40
square kilometers (15 square miles).
SkyTracker is a radio frequency (RF)-based system, which allows it to conclusively identify drones
based on their unique signals emissions. False
detects of birds and trees—which do not emit RF
communications—don’t occur, and SkyTracker
recognizes the smallest of drones. The system
can also be extended to discover other potential
threats, providing enhanced situational awareness
of the electromagnetic spectrum in the area.
CACI’s SkyTracker detection and engagement system defends against UAS threats – Stops UAS Threats to Valuable
Assets and National Airspace
Most importantly, SkyTracker’s RF-based approach
allows for detection—and conclusive identification—of a drone’s operator, supporting chain-ofcustody determinations for the drone and providing
evidence for prosecution of the pilot if necessary.
The same technology allows for differentiation
between lawfully operated drones and potential
threats, allowing approved drones to fly while flagging unknown systems for response.
July-Aug 2016 Edition
One of the largest challenges facing the drone market is the evolution of appropriate regulations for
the use of unmanned aerial systems. The Federal
Communications Commission, Federal Aviation
Administration, Department of Justice, and other
agencies are weighing complex issues that involve
privacy, safety, and right to fly—all important issues
that will have a lasting impact on the market. There
are many questions about what actions—if any—
can be legally taken against trespassing drones,
and who is authorized to take those actions.
When regulations are complete, SkyTracker will be
ready. The system includes a variety of focused
techniques to respond to specific threats in such a
way that legitimate drones can still operate. These
capabilities can be implemented by security staff
monitoring the SkyTracker system, if the appropriate authorities are in place.
SkyTracker operates in a passive mode, detecting
signals of drones and other devices within range
of its sensors. The system has been tested by
the FAA as part of their Pathfinder Program, which
found that SkyTracker does not interfere with normal flight operations at commercial airports. Other
installations have included urban environments,
where SkyTracker’s proprietary method for identifying and cataloguing signals in the area allows it to
outperform its competitors by significant margins.
Technology will continue to improve, and remotelyoperated systems will continue to drop in cost while
increasin g in capability. Like cell phones and computers, they will change our lives, bringing new opportunities as well as new challenges.
Twenty years ago, for example, it was impossible to
know that a single-person car accident happened
on a country road until someone else passed by.
Today, EMTs can be dispatched to save the victim’s
life based solely on the car’s autonomous mobile
technology. Drones have the same potential to
shape our future—will you be ready?
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