US companies Echodyne and Allen Control Systems (ACS) have agreed to work together on combining Echodyne's EchoShield radar with ACS's autonomous Bullfrog weapon station, to offer a low-cost way to fight drones.
The partnership builds on an earlier integration of the two systems. The radar sends precise position and speed data to Bullfrog, which uses AI, image processing and robotic control to detect, track and engage drones. The companies say this lets Bullfrog spot incoming threats earlier, follow fast manoeuvres and calculate more precise firing solutions.
According to the companies, the main advantage is cost, because Bullfrog uses existing weapons and conventional ammunition instead of expensive interceptor missiles. Echodyne chief executive Eben Frankenberg said effective drone defence starts with the quality of the data.
Background
Echodyne
Organization
Echodyne builds the compact radars that counter-drone systems use to spot incoming drones, and Shield AI has agreed to buy the company.
More stories about Echodyne
Allen Control Systems
Counter-drone company
A US robotics and counter-drone company that makes the Bullfrog weapon station.
