Weapon Systems

AI-enabled system facilitates rapid response to enemy drones

2024-09-15

The Anduril counter drone system harnesses artificial intelligence to detect, classify and neutralize unmanned aircraft in conflict zones where threats can emerge rapidly and unpredictably.

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An Anduril Sentry Tower can be seen in this undated photo. [Anduril Industries]
An Anduril Sentry Tower can be seen in this undated photo. [Anduril Industries]

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, cutting-edge defense technology is being developed to detect, track and intercept unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in January 2022 selected Anduril Industries to lead its counter-drone system integration work.

The Anduril Counter-UAS (CUAS) family of systems is designed to integrate sensors with advanced algorithms into a state-of-the-art counter-drone framework.

It includes the Lattice operating system, the Sentry Tower and a small UAS, Anvil.

The Lattice operating system is a sophisticated, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered open operating system that coordinates multiple sensors and effectors to detect, classify and neutralize drone threats.

The Sentry Tower contains an onboard radar and optical sensors within embedded computing cores that can process data through machine-learning algorithms to detect, identify and track threats.

Lastly, Anvil is a ground launched, low-collateral rotary wing interceptor designed to autonomously intercept potential drone threats and provide visual feedback of threats for positive identification by a human operator.

Autonomous response

Lattice connects autonomous sense-making and command and control capabilities with open, modular and scalable hardware components.

One of the key advantages of the Lattice operating system is its ability to operate autonomously. The system's AI and machine learning algorithms enable it to identify potential threats without the need for constant human oversight.

This level of autonomy is key in high-intensity conflict zones, where threats can emerge rapidly and unpredictably. By autonomously detecting and classifying these threats, Lattice not only reduces the burden on human operators but shortens response time.

The system prompts users with solutions to engage and destroy incoming threats, providing immediate countermeasures.

Another standout feature of Anduril's CUAS is its open and interoperable software architecture, which allows for sensor modularity.

The system can integrate new sensors and effectors as they become available, future-proofing the Anduril CUAS against evolving threats.

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