3rd September 2024
DASA is delighted to bring you their latest Case Study – the story of an innovation designed to combat a serious modern threat – that of the Unmanned Air System (UAS) or drone.
Cheap, off-the-shelf drones present a serious challenge to defence and security due to their easy accessibility and very limited radar signature. As their use continues to rise, they pose more of a threat to both military forces and national infrastructure. Therefore, it has become more important than ever to develop an effective counter-UAS innovation.
With the help of DASA funding, West Sussex-based SME LiveLink Aerospace has risen to the challenge, spearheading a consortium to develop a low cost, easy to integrate counter UAS solution.
The consortium developed a flexible and scalable sensor unit for tracking multiple UAS – called Passive Detection & Ranging (PDAR).
This technology has proved to be so successful in field trails, that the Royal Navy has purchased the sensor for use on frontline ships.
Aleks Kowalski, LiveLink Aerospace’s Business Director said:
“Not only did DASA have the vision to support a high risk project where the commercial market was failing, but working with DASA provided wider benefits. The project liaison staff provided by DASA were excellent. They provided constructive criticism when required, represented the ‘voice of the customer’ to challenge the development team, and much appreciated enthusiasm and encouragement throughout. Additionally, compared with other grant awarding bodies, the whole paperwork and process was streamlined and well thought through – we didn’t need to employ additional staff for their paperwork!”