Drones threatening commercial a/c?
Sometimes I wonder if I should change my name to Mystic Meg?
8th Dec 2014 Post #55 https://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/552...ml#post8774881
8th Dec 2014 Post #55 https://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/552...ml#post8774881
If they were flying to a pre-programmed destination then the up and down link wouldn't be required. This would make RF jamming on up and downlinks pointless. Jamming GPS frequencies would have so many implications for all the other users that I would doubt it would be considered.
As for anti-aircraft use of drones, only two would be needed to take out the majority of airliners. Jamming of up and downlink frequencies would be worth doing in this case, as the video would be necessary to home in on the target.
The intentional nuisance value of drones should not be underestimated. A number of them flying a GPS racetrack course could close an airport for an hour or so, whilst attempts to down them would be likely to create a FOD hazard.
As for anti-aircraft use of drones, only two would be needed to take out the majority of airliners. Jamming of up and downlink frequencies would be worth doing in this case, as the video would be necessary to home in on the target.
The intentional nuisance value of drones should not be underestimated. A number of them flying a GPS racetrack course could close an airport for an hour or so, whilst attempts to down them would be likely to create a FOD hazard.
It seems tto me the safest alternative is to shoot it down from above using a shotgun in a police helicopter. At close range it would be hard to miss. You could see where the overspray was going to wind up, thereby minimizing any collateral damage. If you approach from above the drone camera will never see you coming.
Most drones (e.g. DJI) are fitted with a mix of GPS, solid-state accelerometers and gyros, barometric altimeters and multiple cameras for object avoidance and visual odometry. They really are quite sophisticated and relatively inexpensive.
Quite shocking that it is possible to purchase technology like this without regulation or licence.
Quite shocking that it is possible to purchase technology like this without regulation or licence.
Daily Mail has a video. Make of that what you will....
All I hear is hand wringing and buck passing and suggestions of "studies"
Looking at the latest footage taken from a mobile phone, to my eye, it looks like a quad, for me, it has the distinctive shape of a Phantom bit it must be an early machine the later beats are geo-fenced.
Its become surreal now, these things have limited control range, nobody with a spectrum analyser and a directional antenna.
Its become surreal now, these things have limited control range, nobody with a spectrum analyser and a directional antenna.
BBC currently reporting that the Government has temporarily lifted the night flight restrictions at the other London airports.
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Various possible defences against drones have been put forward; may I add my twopence worth?
In my infosec days, there was concern expressed about the ability of "HERF" (High Energy Radio Frequency) guns to damage electronic equipment in data centres. Now, I know such things have been built using magnetrons such as those from microwave ovens; but I'm unsure whether anything exists that could fry a drone's electronics at a range of (say) 150 metres or so. Attacking the drone's electronics directly would make it unnecessary for the drone to be under direct control to be vulnerable - also avoiding the problem of flying metal.
FWIW Wikipedia has an article on "directed energy weapons".
In my infosec days, there was concern expressed about the ability of "HERF" (High Energy Radio Frequency) guns to damage electronic equipment in data centres. Now, I know such things have been built using magnetrons such as those from microwave ovens; but I'm unsure whether anything exists that could fry a drone's electronics at a range of (say) 150 metres or so. Attacking the drone's electronics directly would make it unnecessary for the drone to be under direct control to be vulnerable - also avoiding the problem of flying metal.
FWIW Wikipedia has an article on "directed energy weapons".
Apparently, they are trying to track the op
This kit has been seen in Gatwick
The gear has capabilities...
https://www.coptrz.com/dji-aeroscope/
This kit has been seen in Gatwick
The gear has capabilities...
https://www.coptrz.com/dji-aeroscope/
So what if these drones had been carrying explosives, and/or had been flown directly into the path of aircraft full of passengers taxying, taking off or landing?
Gatwick Airport is currently implicitly sending the message to come and try this out, as they obviously have no means whatsoever to deal with this situation. And this probably applies to many, many other airports too.
Gatwick Airport is currently implicitly sending the message to come and try this out, as they obviously have no means whatsoever to deal with this situation. And this probably applies to many, many other airports too.
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Airport Notam'ed closed until 22Z:
A4116/18 NOTAMR A4111/18
Q) EGTT/QFALC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5109N00011W005
A) EGKK B) 1812201835 C) 1812202200
E) AIRPORT UNAVAILABLE DUE TO DRONE ACTIVITY IN THE GATWICK ATZ
Q) EGTT/QFALC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5109N00011W005
A) EGKK B) 1812201835 C) 1812202200
E) AIRPORT UNAVAILABLE DUE TO DRONE ACTIVITY IN THE GATWICK ATZ
LGW was closed earlier until 1600z. No sitings of drones for a few hours, low and behold at 1600z the drone made an appearance. This group/ individual is having a right laugh at us all, just useless. This could go on for days!
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Correct, from Eurocontrol:
Not sure but I would think if this happened at JFK or LGA ops would continue with a line added to the ATIS like 'Birds and unauthorized drone activity in vicinity of airport, advise controller on initial contact that you have information ZULU.'
EGKK( Gatwick)
Airfield unavailable extended until 0600 21st Dec.
Intended reopening is at 06oo UTC 21st Dec 2018.
Airfield unavailable extended until 0600 21st Dec.
Intended reopening is at 06oo UTC 21st Dec 2018.
Ryanair flights for tomorrow (Friday 21st) all moved to operate out of Stansted instead of Gatwick.
Gatwick airport saying passengers should not travel to the airport for the foreseeable future, including tomorrow. (Sky news)
Going well then...
Gatwick airport saying passengers should not travel to the airport for the foreseeable future, including tomorrow. (Sky news)
Going well then...
Apparently, they are trying to track the op
This kit has been seen in Gatwick
The gear has capabilities...
https://www.coptrz.com/dji-aeroscope/
This kit has been seen in Gatwick
The gear has capabilities...
https://www.coptrz.com/dji-aeroscope/
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Gatwick Notam'ed Open at 0418Z 21 December 2018
I guess the mitigation is the sniper team...
A4124/18 NOTAMN
Q) EGTT/QFALT/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5109N00011W005
A) EGKK B) 1812210418 C) 1812211200
E) AD OPEN. RISK OF INCREASED DRONE ACTIVITY. MITIGATION IN PLACE.
Q) EGTT/QFALT/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5109N00011W005
A) EGKK B) 1812210418 C) 1812211200
E) AD OPEN. RISK OF INCREASED DRONE ACTIVITY. MITIGATION IN PLACE.