Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, pose a significant threat to organizations across many industries. Due to a drone’s ability to fly anywhere at high speeds, drone operators can potentially disrupt crowds, events, natural disaster responses, and even airline flight operations. When a drone’s speed is combined with its ability to carry optical, wireless, contraband, chemical, or explosive payloads, drones can offer nefarious actors nearly limitless potential to cause harm.

The following self-assessment survey is based on the best practices that Convergint has developed working with various government entities. Completing this survey will help you determine if your entity is taking a holistic, proactive approach to mitigating the threats posed from drones causing harm to operations, facilities, personnel, and intellectual property. 

Consider the following factors when selecting a drone detection solution.

Can the system detect and locate the drone and pilot?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes four commonly used drone detection sensor types: radar, radio frequency (RF), acoustic, and camera/infrared. Radar and RF sensors are considered primary sensors since they detect drones with high accuracy and low false alarms rates. Acoustic and camera/infrared sensors are secondary sensors and need additional data from other sensor types to accurately detect drone threats with low false alarm rates. RF-based detection technologies are the only type that can identify both the drone and the pilot’s location.

Can the system detect various drone types?

Some drone detection systems only detect one type of drone manufacturer by design or rely on a product library that must be updated on a regular basis. These systems leave a significant defensive gap. Homemade or “kit” drones have become popular among nefarious actors because payloads can be customized, and many drone detection systems don’t recognize them.

Can the system operate 24/7 without authorization?

Recently, the FAA, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an advisory guidance document to help non-federal public and private entities navigate the laws and regulations related to drone detection and mitigation systems. The advisory reminds that only certain federal entities in specific situations possess mitigation authority.

Can the system detect multiple drones simultaneously?

Criminals in the U.S. already use decoy drones to distract and confuse law enforcement and corrections officers. This may ultimately escalate to drone swarms, so a system that can only detect one drone at a time creates a clear disadvantage.

Can the system rapidly expand the detection zone in response to a threat?

While fixed, permanently installed drone detection systems provide 24/7/365 situational awareness, many organizations can greatly benefit from temporary, portable systems to quickly localize drone threat sources. Wherever the threat goes, the ability to react in real-time is crucial.

Can the system operate reliably and effectively in the desired environment?

Urban environments challenge drone detection systems in several ways. Competing RF signals like WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell phones are everywhere, and tall buildings on both sides of a street can block detection systems. Rural environments are a bit easier for drone detection technologies but ambient RF signals, false alarms caused by birds, and legitimate drone use by a nearby realtor or farmer can cause issues.

Is the system DHS SAFETY Act designated?

The U.S. Congress created the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks to encourage the creation and use of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies (QATTs). End-users of DHS SAFETY Act designated drone detection technology can receive specific liability protection in the event of a terror attack and have confidence that DHS has thoroughly vetted the technology.

Take the drone detection solution assessment

To find out if your organization or entity would benefit from pursuing a drone detection system, download and complete the following assessment.

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