Approaches to Combining Drone Sensors for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems
Volume 2026, Issue 1 (2026), pp. 1345–1351
Pub. online: 31 August 2026
Type: Article
Open Access
Published
31 August 2026
31 August 2026
Abstract
The growing presence of asymmetric threats require effective C-UAS systems. This study addresses the challenge of integrating sensors (RF and EO/IR) onto multirotor platforms while maintaining flight endurance. Of the four scenarios developed, it analyzes Use-case B in detail, mathematically comparing six variants of hardware modifications to a heavy drone during reconnaissance of a 300×300 m area against both active and radio-silent targets. The results reveal the paradox of SWaP limits: fully equipped "All-in-One" platforms excel against active targets thanks to rapid guidance but face critical battery depletion during area-wide reconnaissance of autonomous threats. For future research, therefore, cooperation among multiple platforms, reduced energy consumption, and the integration of effectors are proposed.