CERBAIR unveils Chimera C-UAS system

French company CERBAIR is seeking overseas customers for its new Chimera man-portable counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), which is designed to address small-UAS (sUAS) threats.

According to the company, the Chimera is designed to be a highly mobile and easy-to-operate all-weather C-UAS combining sUAS detection, localisation, and neutralisation features. It can provide ground forces with protection against all types of sUASs that rely on proprietary radio-frequency communications protocols as well as Wi-Fi for control.

MBDA subsidiary CERBAIR has developed the Chimera man-portable C-UAS system. (CERBAIR)

The system comprises an 8 kg antenna box equipped with an omnidirectional very high frequency (VHF) antenna, electronics, and Bren-Tronics rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which powers a 60 cm-long, 5 kg effector equipped with a directional antenna.

The antenna box is used to detect sUAS threats via an omnidirectional analysis of the surrounding radio frequency spectrum. This method enables the operator to visualise the wireless communications information signature shared between the threat and its operator. The C2 interface is used to classify and identify the target.

After the sUAS is confirmed as a threat, a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) electromagnetic disruption signal is transmitted from the handheld effector at the target to neutralise it.

The Chimera is managed using a proprietary command and control (C2) software interface based on Google’s Android operating system. The platform-agnostic software can be operated using a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) tablet and plugged into the operator’s tactical vest.

The antenna box can be transported in a dedicated backpack and attached to a tactical vest with Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system.

The system was developed between 2018 and 2020 with technical assistance from MBDA. Assembly is being undertaken by another MBDA subsidiary, Matra Électronique.