The American company Allen Control Systems shows that drones do not always have to be shot out of the sky. In a recent demonstration, the company shows how a targeted laser can disable drones at short range. Artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in this.
The footage comes from the company’s own test centre and shows a clear trend: countering drones without physically destroying them.
A laser instead of bullets
Normally, drones are disabled with weapons that literally destroy them. That works well, but it can also create risks. In busy areas, flying debris or bullets can cause damage.
That is why Allen Control Systems is taking a different approach. Instead of shooting, the company uses a powerful, targeted laser aimed at the drone’s camera and sensors.
Once these stop working, the drone can no longer see and loses control. It then crashes or abandons its mission.
How the system works
The system tracks a drone automatically and then aims a laser beam at its most important components, such as the camera. The demonstration shows this happening very precisely, even while the system is moving.
The big advantage is that no ammunition is needed. The system can therefore deal with several drones in quick succession without having to reload.
The risk of collateral damage is also much smaller, because nothing is fired.
Artificial intelligence makes it faster
An important part of this technology is artificial intelligence, which helps the system recognise and track drones on its own.
The system can, for example, tell the difference between a bird and a drone. It then decides automatically whether action is needed.
This is especially important when several drones appear at once. A human often cannot keep up quickly enough, but an AI system can.
AI also ensures that the laser is aimed at exactly the right spot, which increases its effect.
Growing demand for solutions like this
The use of drones in conflicts is increasing rapidly, and so is the need for ways to stop them. This ties in with earlier developments, such as the Apollo laser weapon against drones and the Bullfrog anti-drone system.
Heavy weapons are not suitable for every situation. In cities or around important buildings in particular, a safer solution is needed.
A laser-based system like the one from Allen Control Systems fits that need well. It can act quickly without causing major damage.
A promising development
The technology is still very much in development, but the demonstration shows it is already well advanced. In practice, factors such as bad weather or clever countermeasures will still play a role.
Even so, it is clear that this way of countering drones is becoming more important, mainly because it is fast, precise and relatively safe.
If these systems continue to develop, they could become a permanent part of drone defence, especially at short range.
Also worth reading: the next step in anti-drone technology is getting closer. Also take a look at the Bullfrog system and the interceptor drone with a net.
