Rafael (Chalet C22) has developed a system that counters the growing threat of micro- and nano-UAVs. This threat has proliferated with the growing commercial availability of small drones, which pose dangers of both intrusive and more malicious natures. “As part of our multi-layered defense solution, all with the purpose of sealing the skies against a variety of aerial threats, we have addressed a new threat—hostile drones,” explained Rafael’s president and CEO, Yoav Har-Even. “Drone Dome is an innovative end-to-end system designed to provide effective airspace defense against hostile drones used by terrorists to perform aerial attacks, collect intelligence and other intimidating activities.”

First unveiled at the LAAD show in Brazil in April, Drone Dome provides 24-hour 360-degree coverage and a fast response time. It incorporates a Rada RPS-42 radar and a Controp MEOS electro-optical system equipped with long-range daylight TV and thermal imaging sensors. Also included are radio signal detectors. The system can be configured as a single deployable unit, or can be implemented as a tailored installation to provide protection for high-value fixed installations.

Detection of a drone threat is typically achieved at a range of around 2 miles (3 kilometers), whereupon the system analyzes the vehicle’s guidance and communication frequencies. Drone Dome can be operated by a single person, with screens showing a local situation map with drone track(s) and imagery from the EO/IR sensors. Additional sensors can also be networked to expand the coverage area.

Neutralization of the drone is accomplished using jammers supplied by Netline. They can be directionally targeted against the drone’s communications, or against its GPS guidance. The operator can activate the jammers manually, or the system can deploy them automatically, according to pre-set algorithms.