US Army Hosts Counter-Small Drone Tech Demo in Yuma

TR_123456 · Apr 22, 2021

In collaboration with the Air Force, the Joint Counter-sUAS Office (JCO) and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office hosted a demonstration in counter drone technology at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz on April 5-9. Photo: Mark A. Schauer/Yuma Proving Ground Public Affairs

The US Army hosted a four-day counter-drone technology demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), Arizona, earlier this month.

Three private firms displayed their systems’ capabilities in defeating small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) with minimal collateral damage, the service stated.

The firms, Aurora Flight Sciences, ELTA North America, and XTEND, were selected from a group of 30 companies who had applied to participate in the demonstrations.

The systems were up against lightweight small drones that are “quick, hard to mitigate, and can carry various payloads, including surveillance equipment.”

Counter-Drone Systems

While Virginia-based Aurora’s Modular Intercept Drone Avionics Set uses a customized payload to defeat small drones, ELTA North America’s Drone-Kill-Drone system casts a net of “cut resistant wires” while airborne to entangle flying targets.

XTEND’s SKY LORD GRIFFON system, meanwhile, allows operators to deploy multiple drone teams to detect and intercept target drones.

“This week’s demonstration helps the Department of Defense as we strive to provide the most capable counter-small UAS equipment to our operational forces,” said Major General Sean Gainey, Director of the Joint Counter-small UAS Office.

“By focusing the first event on low collateral effects interceptors, we are addressing a key challenge when operating in complex urban environments, around sensitive sites, or in situations where the rules of engagement limit kinetic capabilities.”