MyDefence Enhances UAS Detection with New Technology
Introduction
MyDefence, a defense technology firm based in Denmark, has announced the integration of its latest WideBand Extended Frequency (XF) antenna and enhanced detection software into its handheld unmanned aircraft system (UAS) detector, Wingman. This upgrade is direct response to insights and operational feedback from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), as shared by company CEO Dan Hermansen in a recent interview.
Advanced Antenna Capabilities
The new XF antenna boasts an impressive operational frequency range of 200 MHz to 6 GHz, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the entire frequency spectrum. Hermansen highlights this capability, stating, “We can scan the whole frequency spectrum.”
Key features include:
- Compatibility: The antenna is adaptable to multiple Wingman models – WM100, WM103, WM104, and WM105.
- Integration: It seamlessly integrates with the Android Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK), enabling real-time operator alerts for detected signals throughout the frequency spectrum.
Operational Background and Development
Initially deployed in 2019, the Wingman handheld radio frequency (RF) detector was able to identify UAS operating within standard industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, specifically at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies. However, the operational environment faced by Ukrainian forces revealed that adversarial Russian units were deploying UASs on non-standard frequencies. This prompted MyDefence to refine their technology and enhance operational flexibility.
Since then, the company has committed to developing full-frequency scanning capabilities, as noted by Hermansen.
Innovative Software Features
The accompanying software includes a proprietary UAS library developed by MyDefence, which allows military personnel to input new UAS types dynamically into the system. Key functionalities of the software include:
- Communication Recording: It captures the exchange between the UAS and its operator.
- Signal Analysis Tool: This tool processes recorded communications to identify new signal types, which are then incorporated into the UAS library.
Conclusion
The enhancements to MyDefence’s Wingman UAS detection system reflect an adaptive approach to evolving battlefield requirements, driven by the needs of operators in Ukraine. With state-of-the-art antenna capabilities and innovative software solutions, MyDefence is positioning itself as a key player in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicle detection and countermeasures.