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A new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled system for drone detection was recently demonstrated by L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI during the Department of War’s Technology Readiness Experimentation event.
The system was shown to detect hostile drones more quickly and at longer ranges than existing technologies, even when the drones were partially obscured by buildings or clouds.
L3Harris utilized the passive capabilities of its WESCAM MX-Series electro-optical/infrared sensors, which were integrated with Shield AI’s Tracker system, a Counter-UAS software able to detect multiple types of unmanned aerial systems.
Tom Kirkland, Vice President and General Manager, Targeting and Sensor Systems at L3Harris, said, “Our warfighters and allies are facing a new breed of unmanned threats that require faster responses at greater ranges without being detected themselves. Partnering with Shield AI enables combat-proven targeting systems like the WESCAM MX-Series to be more effective and provide added protection to operators.”
Christian Gutierrez, Vice President, Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI, added, “Adversaries are fielding more drones, cheaper and in more complex environments than ever before. Defeating that threat requires technology that is intelligent, adaptable and passive, and this collaboration with L3Harris brings together the strengths of autonomy and sensing to meet that urgent operational need.”
The next phase of the collaboration will involve refining airborne object behavior models to improve tracking performance across air, land, and sea, for both day and night operations. The AI-powered capability will be integrated into the L3Harris VAMPIRE™, a Counter-Unmanned System designed to defend against small drones.
