Drones

DroneGun Tactical jams more punch into smaller package

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The DroneGun Tactical is smaller than the previous anti-drone model, but can jam a wider range of frequencies
DroneShield
The DroneGun Tactical's control panel, which allows users to target different frequencies
DroneShield
The DroneGun Tactical is smaller than the previous anti-drone model, but can jam a wider range of frequencies
DroneShield

Drones are increasingly crowding the airspace, so it's only natural that the counter-drone market is growing as well. The wide arsenal from DroneShield just got a little wider with the DroneGun Tactical, a new handheld jamming weapon that disrupts more frequencies from a more compact, portable package.

They may be great for photography and pizza delivery, but swarms of drones can't just be buzzing around overhead without a detailed air traffic control system. A key part of any strategy in that regard will be no-fly zones. Unauthorized drones are dangerous around airports, government facilities won't want prying eyes in the skies, and prisons around the world have reported the growing problem of drones airdropping contraband to inmates.

Already there are creative solutions like net guns and trained eagles, but DroneShield's systems are a little more elegant. The original DroneGun, unveiled in 2016, could scramble an airborne intruder's radio signals from up to 2 km (1.2 mi) away, and the Mk II was released last November. To save the trouble of having armed guards on alert 24/7, DroneSentinel and DroneSentry can be used to set up a permanent anti-drone bubble around a facility.

The newly-revealed DroneGun Tactical works like the other DroneGun models. Jamming frequencies are blasted at incoming drones to send them scampering back to the point of takeoff, leading you to the pilot in the process. There's also the option to mess with the drone's GPS signal, in which case the craft will land on the spot, allowing it to be retrieved for possible "forensic investigation."

The DroneGun Tactical's control panel, which allows users to target different frequencies
DroneShield

The main difference compared to the original model is that the DroneGun Tactical measures just 1,041 x 415 x 122 mm (41 x 16.3 x 4.8 in) and weighs 6.8 kg (15 lb), making it much smaller than previous models. Even better, the rifle is completely self-contained, eliminating the need for a backpack full of electronics.

But that smaller package comes at the cost of range: DroneGun Tactical can secure targets up to 1 km (0.6 mi) away, but that's probably enough for many users. To make up for it, the new model can disrupt a wider range of frequencies, adding the 433 MHz and 915 MHz bands to the existing 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.

The DroneGun Tactical is available for purchase now "to qualified end-users, where lawful." That means it's likely only certain government agencies will be able to get their hands on them for now.

Source: DroneShield

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4 comments
Bob
Good...hope these make their way into civilian hands soon. I would like to see a Home based defense system (like a Nest pod) for home owners to put around their properties.
eirobotix
In Australia it is a federal offense to interfere with an aircraft (yes all drones are considered aircraft) period & is specifically covered under aviation law. Couple that to the fact that all airspace is regulated by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) exclusively means that you have zero rights or legal grounds to attempt to disrupt a drone flight & can be criminally prosecuted accordingly.
Will be interesting to see how or if at all this type of technology can be integrated with mandated no fly zones, etc. A grey & thorny issue for sure.
James P Pratt
Probably a bad idea. Once jamming wars start people will be jamming everything electronic including automatic cars, cell phones, and what have you. Every paranoid person who thinks the sky is falling when a drone appears overhead will want to destroy it. As long as a drone is obeying the laws and respecting other people's right, no one had a right to jam it or bring it down. Don't help start the war that won't end well.
kellory
As a Ham operator, I know it is illegal to jam radio signals. Eleven hospitals are forbidden from doing so, and have to use shielding to block signals from sensitive equipment. Personally, I hate the misuse of drones to spy, trespass, and harass hunters, run game, and even steal small items, but jamming will not get past the FCC.