As the number of DJI drones increases so does the need for anti-drone systems. Drones pose a serious hazard when it comes to certain facilities such as power stations, oil pipelines, airports, stadiums, etc. Therefore, it is imperative that UAVs are detected from a distance before they can cause any accidents. The DJI AeroScope is just the solution for this.
Keeping DJI Drones at Bay
Having a drone flying in the vicinity of airports or industrial sites can be dangerous. In Saudi Arabia, a group of radicals used kamikaze drones to attack a crucial oil pipeline. While consumer drones are not as dangerous as kamikaze drones, they do pose a considerable threat. Drones colliding with aircraft is not unheard of. Therefore, having a drone radar at hand can help prevent such mishaps.
The DJI AeroScope is a comprehensive drone detection platform that rapidly identifies UAV communication links, gathering information such as flight status, paths, and other information in real-time. Real-time UAV monitoring can help in swift contingency measures. However, the AeroScope can only detect DJI drones as of now.
The AeroScope system consists of a stationary unit, a portable unit, and a backstage management system & SDK.
The Stationary Unit
The stationary unit is a device designed to detect drones within a range of 50km. This makes the AeroScope an ideal option for large-scale sites such as nuclear power plants or red zones. DJI claims that these units can obtain key information from any intruding drones in less than 2 seconds. Additionally, the AeroScope can be easily integrated with existing security systems to provide comprehensive drone monitoring.
However, the monitoring range can vary based on the type of antennas installed. The stationary units have several other advantages such as support for “public cloud, private cloud, and local deployment, capable of meeting specific needs such as off-site monitoring and data segregation”
The Portable Unit
The portable unit is a temporary and mobile drone detecting solution. Enclosed in an 8.5kg case, the portable unit has two antennas that can detect DJI drones up to 5km. It is powered by two TB50 intelligent 4280 mAh batteries. Alternatively, the portable unit can also be plugged into a power supply for continuous operation. The portable unit has the upper hand for mobile or emergency applications. It can even function offline making it useful for use during power outages. However, considering its weight it wouldn’t be quite as easy to carry around by one person.
Backstage Management System & SDK
The backstage management system is the primary software behind the drone monitoring system. This system provides central monitoring, command, and investigation tools, integrating with data collected from previous flights. Coupled with a Software Development Kit (SDK), AeroScope can be customized to meet specific needs.
At its core, the AeroScope is a drone radar that can detect DJI drones. There has been criticism about the technical and privacy drawbacks of the AeroScope system. However, DJI has been quick to address them. Considering that DJI holds about 70% of the drone market, the DJI AeroScope is the company’s first attempt at tracking malicious drones. Having a drone radar that can dispense real-time information about invasive drones can be crucial and at times necessary. Learn more about AeroScope on DJI’s website.
