More than 130 obstructions were caused by drones at Germany’s airports in 2022. The use of these often very small systems – especially by individuals – continues to increase. Now the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg has developed a drone that can intercept unauthorised drones at airports.
The system was developed as part of FALKE research project, which was funded for three years by German Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) with around €1.8 million. FALKE is acronym for the ability to intercept small aircraft entering restricted airspace by civilian means of intervention (in German, of course). For this purpose, a sensor technology was evaluated and a unit with artificial intelligence was developed. This enables the interceptor drone to automatically follow another drone and then capture it with the help of a net launcher. The possibility of human intervention is guaranteed at all times.
“Drones have great potential to relieve traditional traffic flows and ease our everyday lives,” said German Minister of Digital Affairs and Transport, Volker Wissing. “We want to promote the use of drones in Germany. However, this is only possible if all safety requirements are met.”
Marco Feldmann, Editor