DANGEROUS DRONES

FOCUS ON THE REAL RISK

Counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) stakeholders focus on a vast number of drone types. But not all drones pose an equal actual threat. The focus should be on the most prevalent, dangerous drones that can carry heavy payloads, travel long distances, and are readily accessible.

Drone Types

Drones can be segmented into three categories for risk assessment:

• Commercial long-range, high payload, advanced protocol drones
• Do-it-Yourself (DIY) drones
• Wi-Fi drones

Long-Range Drones

Long-range, high payload drones are mid-to-large-size drones, falling into the major threat category. They can fly up to 12 miles/20km and carry a payload up to 26 pounds/12kg. These drones utilize long-distance radio communication protocols to fly large distances, while transmitting telemetry and high-resolution video back to their remote controller.

The long-range drone market is currently dominated by a single vendor, SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (known as DJI), that possesses the highest U.S. and global market share for consumer drones, followed by several other manufacturers.

DIY

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) drones are purchased per individual components and then assembled by the consumer/operator. This enables the operator to obtain the best possible components and to tailor the drone to their specific needs. Some DIY drones can travel long distances and can be potentially dangerous drones.

Wi-Fi Drones

Wi-Fi drones are short-range, small drones often controlled by smartphone apps, limiting their flight range to a few hundred yards/meters. Some short-range drones are good for photographers and hobbyists, but they are considered a low-level threat due to their limited range, small size and inability to carry a substantial payload.

Relevant Drones With Range & Size

Consumers can purchase a long-range drone (off-the-shelf, or DIY) with a 4K camera, a range of more than four miles and decent payload capabilities, along with the ability to hover and automatically avoid obstacles, for approximately $1,000.

6 Types of Drone Threats

Drone threats can be classified as follows:

• Attack: drones can transport explosives, or biological and chemical weapons that cause
  serious harm and costly damage
• Collision: a drone entering the flight path of an aircraft puts lives at risk. Also, individuals are vulnerable to plummeting or poorly piloted drones
• Espionage: with their powerful cameras, drones can spy on unsuspecting individuals and sensitive sites
• Harassment and Nuisance: a drone flying over restricted airspace can lead to disruptions and safety risks
• Privacy: drones can capture photos or videos without consent
• Smuggling: a drone delivering drugs, weapons or other contraband can easily bypass ground-based security

The Future

Bad actors obviously are not going to rest and drone technology continues to evolve quickly. It is important to partner with a company that knows how to prioritize drone threats and concentrates on the UASs most likely to cause significant harm.

The ideal C-UAS partner will proactively build optimal anti-drone solutions for next-generation drone threats. D-Fend Solutions’ counter-drone strategic approach considers drone risk analysis, assessment and prioritization that factor in drone prevalence, payload capacity and flight range.

Core Concepts >>