Drones can be hazardous if they enter the flight path of an aeroplane. When a drone enters the airport area it disrupts aviation safety. But how does a tiny drone disrupt airport security? Let’s find out.
If a small drone hits a plane, its tiny fragments can break off and cause visibility problems. It may lead the aircraft to do an emergency landing. Protect airports from rogue drones, need layered protection against drones.
So, the best solution is jamming and spoofing.
The Growing Threat of Rogue Drones at Airports
Let’s focus on how the growing threat of rogue drones is increasing day by day.
Why Are Drones a Risk to Airports?
Unscheduled drones in the airport area increase the risk of collision with aircraft during takeoff and landing. In case the drone hits the engines of the aircraft, the engines might malfunction and stop working. Such incidents can put passengers at risk.
Terrorists can see the opportunity and attack airports with drones. Even with advanced drone detection technologies they may try to neutralize drone jammer devices and attack sensitive areas.
Notable Drone Incidents at Airports
In 2018, flight schedules were disrupted in Gatwick airport as a suspected drone was seen near the airport. This repeated in other international airports as well.
Counter-Drone Technologies Used at Airports
The repeated incidents of flight disruption due to suspected drone activities have influenced the development of drone detection and spoofing mechanisms.
Detection Systems
Modern radar-based technology has been in use to detect drones. These radars are often deployable and detect drones from a 360° angle. Artificial intelligence is also used in detecting drones and improving airport security. Police drone detectors are also deployed to detect any abnormal drone activities at the vicinity of airports.
Active Defense Mechanisms
To tackle unwanted drone activities and thwart attempts of possible terror activities, drone jamming and spoofing technology have become popular.
Drone jamming is intentionally disrupting the radio frequency on which the drone is being operated. It is done to make the operator lose control over the drone.
Drone spoofing is when a third party takes control over the drone. A spoofing signal is sent to the drone making it think its legitimate signal and behave as per its commands.
How Drone Jamming Works in Airports
Airports are sensitive areas, you need strong and full proof security for detecting drones. So you need a 24X7 monitoring system and counter measures to protect against a potential drone attack.
What Is Drone Jamming?
Drone jamming involves disrupting the radio frequency on which it is being controlled by the operator. Once the radio frequency of the drone is disrupted, it either slowly comes down on earth or goes back to where it took off.
GPS jammer technology is also used in jamming GNSS signals of drones. The system works by strongly emitting signals on the same frequency as the GNSS satellites, causing the GPS sensor of the drone to stop working.
Effectiveness and Limitations
In the airport area, sensitive sensors and radars are used for better flight service. If you do not carefully place the drone jamming system, it may harm the legitimate systems. You should also ensure that the jamming system works well under the area of the Airport.
Extending its jamming signal from the perimeter may cause disturbance to civilians’ mobile or other electronic devices.
How Drone Spoofing Works in Airports
Drone spoofing is also a great way to neutralize possible terror threats. But you need a team of trained professionals to handle drone spoofing.
What Is Drone Spoofing?
It involves sending strong signals on the same frequency on which it is being operated. The drone thinks it to be the legitimate signal and follows its commands. Then you can bring the drone down to a safe place and avert any possible risks.
Effectiveness and Limitations
It will allow the airport authorities to seize the rogue drone and conduct further investigation of its intention. If there is a potential for terror attacks, the police may take necessary actions. But the downside of drone spoofing in airport areas is that you need a team of technical experts on stand-by 24X7.
Challenges and Legal Considerations
Legal Restrictions on Jamming and Spoofing
In many countries RF jamming and spoofing are restricted. In the USA, the Federal Law prohibits the sale and marketing of any types of jamming equipment that disrupts communication. So, when you are using drone jamming equipment, ensure it does not interrupt communication.
Preventing Collateral Damage
You should be careful not to harm the drones employed by the airport authority. You should never interfere with the communication devices installed in the airport.
Conclusion
Terrorists are also using advanced technologies to neutralize drone jammer devices. It has become more challenging for professionals to make RF jamming and spoofing effective. You should always be alert while detecting rogue drones.
Now, you can say the future of drone detecting systems will heavily rely on AI technology. It will help establish a multi-layers defence mechanism.
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