26 April 2021

Fortem Technologies qualifies DroneHunter with FAAD C2

by Gerrard Cowan

Fortem Technologies’ DroneHunter counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system can now integrate with the US Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control system (FAAD C2).

The US Army Joint Counter-UAS Office (JCO) selected FAAD C2 as the service’s C2 standard for addressing the threat posed by small UAVs. The system is designed to be capable of integrating with a wide range of sensors and effectors to build rapid defence against such threats.

The DroneHunter uses a net tether to capture rogue UAVs. It can now integrate with US Army’s FAAD C2 system. (Fortem Technologies)

DroneHunter is a multirotor platform that intercepts rogue UAVs using a non-kinetic, net tether approach. It is part of Fortem Technologies’ SkyDome system, which encompasses different elements that can be operated together or separately, including DroneHunter. Another element is SkyDome Manager, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software that functions as a C2 system for DroneHunter.

Army operators would use FAAD C2 to command SkyDome to perform its functions, in turn relaying messages to DroneHunter, said Jim Housinger, senior programme manager at Fortem Technologies.

DroneHunter would then proceed to autonomously capture an adversarial UAV. However, FAAD C2 will also incorporate the capability for the operator to intervene in such an operation, calling DroneHunter back during a mission, he said.

“It’s deeply integrated, giving FAAD C2 the capability to order DroneHunter to abort its mission,” noted Housinger. The integrated system will also incorporate a version of the company’s TrueView radar, built into the DroneHunter UAV, he added.

Fortem Technologies has been working closely with Northrop Grumman, the developer of FAAD C2, on the integration, as well as with the US Army. There have been several test events in Alabama, Arizona, and in Utah, where Fortem Technologies is based.

Fortem Technologies’ DroneHunter counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system can now integrate wi...

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