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Honeywell unveils AI-based kinetic C-UAS for US Air Force to combat swarm drones

US-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies has launched a new ‘Stationary And Mobile UAS Reveal And Intercept’ system to counter swarm drones. The multi-layered system can detect, track, and counter-drone swarms by combining beyond-visual-line-of-sight communication with command-and-control capabilities. It can be equipped on vehicles or fixed-based platforms to protect valuable assets.

The Tech

The system was developed by integrating components from defense manufacturers such as Blue Halo, Leonardo DRS, Pierce Aerospace, Silent Sentinel, Walaris, Rocky Research, and Versatol.

These components include radio frequency (RF) detection with sensor technology that uses light to detect, track, and identify objects and offensive drones to counter swarms.

A spokesperson for Honeywell told Interesting Engineering on September 17 that the new C-UAS system will include proven technology enabled through artificial intelligence (AI), unintended electronic emission detection, onboard cybersecurity, disruptive electronic warfare platform protection, and quantum encrypted secure data/communications.

The spokesperson said Honeywell is integrating advanced command and control, multiple radars, electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), AI-enabled detectors, and layered RF defeat capabilities into the system.

The spokesperson added that a range of kinetic and directed energy options would neutralize the swarm drones.

“At this moment, we are unable to share on how many drones the system can intercept; tailored for defeating large drones while vehicle is on the move protecting high value assets.”

For the US Air Force

Honeywell is developing this new C-UAS for the US Air Force.

The service’s Global Strike team, via STRIKEWERX/AFWERX, recently selected Honeywell’s Stationary And Mobile UAS Reveal And Intercept system to demonstrate the protection of high-value assets from swarm drones while on the move.

The demonstration will take place in January 2025.

The spokesperson said the prototype to be evaluated by the Air Force will utilize a radar system provided by Leonardo DRS.

“Honeywell is currently on 7 Directed energy high power laser programs and evaluating high power microwave for multiple platforms.”

“Modern warfare is rapidly changing, and the threat swarm drones pose to high-value assets can have a devastating effect on military operations,” said Matt Milas, president of Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our Stationary And Mobile UAS Reveal And Intercept system is a highly reliable, scalable and fully integrated defensive system that has been developed after extensive research and testing with the needs of military operators in mind. This system’s multi-layered defensive capabilities set it apart in the industry and enable it to not only track and detect, but also defeat multiple threats. We’re excited to demonstrate this technology for the Air Force and are confident the system can provide critical new capabilities on the battlefield.”

The increasing use of drones in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East has prompted the US military to intensify its efforts in developing new capabilities and countermeasures to deal with this evolving threat effectively.

Current efforts focus on exploring traditional kinetic options, such as Stinger missiles, and testing novel directed-energy alternatives, such as high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves.

These new technologies may offer a more cost-effective per-unit kill option in the future.

SOURCE: Interesting Engineering