Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities have evolved significantly over the last decade as the proliferation of drones and the frequency in which they are used for nefarious means has increased.
Hostile Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) can threaten critical infrastructure and military installations wherever they are in the world, as well as to those protecting these sites – even while they are on the move.
To address these ever-evolving threats, Falcon Shield has been adapted into variants including Fixed-Site, Containerised and Mobile.
Fixed-Site
Originally, Falcon Shield was designed with fixed-site protection in mind. An area requiring protection would be surveyed, with sensors such as radars and Radio Frequency (RF) detectors strategically placed to maximise their range. Suitable effectors would also be chosen based on the risk profile and rules of engagement, so that drones posing a threat could be defeated. The fixed-site variant is rapidly deployable and configurable, with the ability to integrate a range of sensors and effectors, while operating in challenging environments.
Containerised
But some operators may prefer their primary sensors to be integrated with their Command and Control (C2) facility so that once deployed, everything is up and running even faster. This is where the containerised variant of Falcon Shield comes into its own. The size of a standard ISO container, it can be transported anywhere in the world by cargo aircraft such as the A400M and C-17, or by ship. When on land, it can be loaded onto the back of an HGV and moved into its required position.
When in place, the containerised version of Falcon Shield can be quickly activated to provide detection, tracking and identification. Connections can be rapidly made to complementary sensors and effectors to create a more robust and layered defence capable of thwarting hostile drones. The containerised variant is perfect for temporary or time-bound C-UAS requirements where threats are perceived as relatively short-term.
Mobile – on the move
Falcon Shield is also available in a mobile variant, providing truly on-the-move protection to a vehicle and its convoy when on the move. Equipped with a stabilised version of the Nerio VLR-M (Very-Long Range – Mobile), a C-UAS operator can slew the world-leading electrooptical sensor onto a target based on radar or Electromagnetic Support Measures (ESM) integrated into the vehicle.
Much like the fixed-site and containerised versions of Falcon Shield, the operator can reliably detect, track and identify hostile drones using its integrated sensors and effectors. Unlike these versions, the mobile variant can do all of this while the vehicle and its convoy is in motion – creating a C-UAS bubble while on the move.
Man Portable
Falcon Shield is also designed for individual operators and tactical teams in a Man-Portable variant. Combined portable drone detection and jamming quickly detects and neutralises drone threats, creating a bubble of protection for dismounted soldiers and troops thanks to being lightweight and easily transported in a ruggedised case. The system is ideal for low-signature convoy protection, self-protection and manoeuvring forces.
Combined Aerial Picture
Customers operating multiple variants of Falcon Shield can connect their systems, creating a more complete aerial picture of drone threats and handing over targets that cross from one system’s area of interest to another.
This process is managed seamlessly by Falcon Shield’s Command and Control (C2) system, which is common across all variants – reducing an operator’s training burden and creating familiarity across the three types of system.