By 2020, it is expected that more than 30,000 unmanned drones will cover the U.S skies and plans to integrate them to the skies are almost in place. Up to 2015, 327 drones had authorization to fly in the country for different uses, such as to count Sea lions, monitor weather research, and control drug trafficking along the borders. Although progress has been made in many other countries to regulate the use of drones, there is no standard solution hindering drones from flying over businesses and private homes.
Although people love drones used for aerial filming and photography, they may pose risk if flown over communication facilities and power generating stations. However, whether legitimate or not, it is illegal to harm drones. As a result, several alternatives have been developed to strike the rogue drones down without destroying them.
The Robotic Falcon
This is a drone with a highly accurate net that can fly in similar in pattern and speed to almost all drones available in the market. Some researchers in Michigan Technological University designed a drone catcher that shoots the net to the target drones. The Robotic Falcon a safe method for trapping the devices while also lowering the damage on the trapped drone, making it conducive for investigative purposes. Moreover, the catcher neutralizes the drone and takes it to the target location.
Anti-UAV Defense System
Control of unmanned aerial crafts is a global issue and particularly for the military and other security agencies. These crafts can be utilized in the smuggling of explosives, weapons and toxic chemicals by terrorist groups. In response, the UADS has launched the first fully fledged detect-track-disable system which includes a frequency inhibitor, visual disruptor and rapid deployment features. The UADS device tracks the small UAVs, classify the target, and disrupt their function. This technology is set to counter different size crafts by detecting any within a five-mile radius.
Birds of Prey
Due to the recent affordability of drones, lots of people are able to buy and fly the device with or without proper authorization. While most use them for recreational and commercial purposes, a few fly them for malicious purposes as evidenced by the rising cases of drug trafficking, porn, marijuana and tobacco smuggling. In January this year, the need for control became paramount when one accidentally crashed on the White House lawn.
To this effect, the Dutch law enforcement has collaborated with Guard From Above in the training and use of birds of prey to take rogue drones down from the flight paths. This a simple alternative where the Eagles grab the drone using its claws and grounds it. The birds see the device as prey and carry it to a secluded area. The trainers are expected to determine the effects of this method on the bird’s well-being and make a ruling on its possible use.
The Battelle’s Drone Defender
Battelle on the other hand is looking to introduce a contact-free ray gun in addition to the many anti-drone devices already in the market. The drone defender utilizes invisible beam and device radio frequency disruption to disengage the drones and ground them while watching out for dangerous landing or any potential self-destruction. The device can jam ISM bands and GPS signals and offers 5 uninterrupted hours of use with allowance for about 400 meters shooting distance.
This alternative beats other available non-contact devices due to its portable design and light weight (below 10 pounds). If you wish to own the device, for now you will have to forget the thought as it is not available for use by private citizens since the research firm responsible maintains that the ray gun was primarily designed for military and security functions.
Lol, I never thought that drones are that large in the United States. I would be really annoyed to see those things flying above my house.
It was a great idea to strike drones down instead of damaging them.I totally support that it shouldn’t be sold to private individuals except for the military.
That drone catcher is awesome. At least an expensive drone wont get damaged.
Well in as much as drones have good advantage like reconnecting one with nature and helping improve ones photography skills it should be monitored and maybe stopped without damaging them.The UADS Device will be so useful and helpful since it can track and detect these crafts 5-miles away.
The article is very helpful for drone addict like me. It interests me because it discussed how useful the drone. It will awakened people who are anti drone.
I wouldn’t want anyone taking down my drone while it is flying. There should be a law against it. Law enforcement should be trained rather to detect when someone is using a drone in inappropriate places or ways, and arrest him or her.
Wow, it certainly is a new age for technology with all these drones flying around. I found the eagle tactic especially interesting to try and see nature vs. airlifting devices. I feel like there must be some cases though where damaging a drone should be allowed for the safety or well-being of others.
I am okay with this only if you have a good reason to spy on me. Come on!! If this is flying in my house for no good reason that would be weird. How do you spot a difference between an RC and a real drone though?
It worries me that people have less privacy about their lives these days. Drones are ok for some places but they shouldn’t be allowed to cross private property.
Well I guess with all great inventions – especially in this tech age – there will be issues and concerns that will arise. I’m sure that this will be sorted out in time though. Fingers crossed!
this article is very helpful and informative. I will always keep in mind this ways thank you.
Wow, the pessimistic are at work. The idea is great anyway. At times drones can be used in the wrong way and need be to get rid.
Just like shooting birds with a shotgun–no bullets though. Well, this would be one for us drone users to look out for.
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