Counter-UAS Non-Kinetic Soft-Kill Technologies

Non-kinetic counter-drones collect data by interfering with or intercepting transmission signals. These approaches typically result in the drone plummeting to the ground at high speeds, making it an unappealing countermeasure to deploy above crowds. While it may not be suitable for usage over crowds, it may be beneficial in other situations. When contemplating drone countermeasures, always consult your country's regulations; drone jammer and drone spoofers are not authorized in the United States.

What exactly is a drone jammer?

Jammers operate by emitting electromagnetic noise at the radio frequencies used by drones to operate and transmit data. They effectively drown out a drone's and its operator's talk. This is commonly 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz, which are unlicensed, public frequencies. This prohibits jammers from interfering with piloted airplanes, mobile phones, public broadcasting, or other radio frequencies that are not in use.

Jammers can be permanent, mounted devices or extremely mobile, gun-like devices that allow someone to safely land a drone on the ground.

What happens when a drone becomes jammed?

• The drone will either land or
• The drone will return to its starting point.

What are the drawbacks of drone jamming?

1. Drone jammers are less effective against pre-programmed drones that fly a certain course, because drones may fly without GPS.
2. Drone jammer prevent the C-UAS from gaining positive control over its targets.
3. UAV jammers do not detect the pilot or the flight route.

Is it legal to use drone jammers?

According to FCC regulations, drone jammers are not authorized in the United States.

"The use of "cell jammers" or similar devices designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications (signal blockers, gps blocker, or text stoppers, for example) is illegal under federal law." These devices endanger crucial public safety communications and can prohibit you and others from dialing 9-1-1 or other emergency numbers. Law enforcement communications can also be disrupted buy jammers.

Governing Law

"The 1934 Communications Act"

• Section 301 - requires radio transmitter operators and users to be licensed or approved under the Commission's rules (47 U.S.C. 301).
• Section 333 - forbids deliberate or malicious interference with radio transmissions of any station licensed or permitted by the Act or operated by the United States Government (47 U.S.C. 333)"

What exactly is a GPS drone spoofer?

Spoofers send phony GPS signals that imitate authentic ones, whereas jammers function by blocking RF frequencies. Spoofers take over a drone's communication link by sending out a fake signal that the device interprets as authentic because it is a replica of the original signal.

The spoofer operates by sending out a stronger counterfeit signal. The spoofer can generate a slight delay between the drone and the controller before emitting the louder bogus signal. The spoofer now has complete control of the gadget and can fly the drone. The GPS receiver is duped by the spoofer.

If your UAS device uses GPS for flying, GPS spoofing is difficult to defend against. GPS is a signal transmitted by satellites. GPS satellite transmissions cannot be protected using traditional security methods such as encryption and certifications.