Summary of Mainstream UAV Detection Technologies and Identification Methods for Special Types of UAVs

Ø Anti-detection Characteristics

• Non-standard Protocols: Mostly use customized, open-source or frequency-hopping image transmission and remote control protocols, making spectrum detection and protocol cracking methods ineffective.
• No Remote ID: In pursuit of lightweight and concealment, compliant remote identification signals are not installed or broadcast.
• Small Size and High Speed: Small radar cross-section and strong maneuverability pose challenges to traditional detection systems.

Ø Identification Methods: Multi-technology Integrated Hierarchical Defense Strategy

• Enhanced Radio Spectrum Detection: Use high-performance real-time spectrum analyzers to scan and locate "unknown" or "abnormal" radio frequency signals as the first line of long-distance early warning. However, the false alarm rate is relatively high, and it is necessary to fuse data with other sensors for judgment.

• Radar Detection (Core Method): Modern specialized radars can accurately detect "low, small, slow" targets, providing information such as distance and direction, and are not affected by weather. However, the cost is high, and they are susceptible to clutter interference in complex urban environments.

• Optoelectronic Detection (Identification and Confirmation Method): Visible light cameras combined with AI image recognition algorithms identify UAV shapes and rotor patterns; infrared thermal imaging cameras can capture the heat generated by UAV equipment, suitable for night detection and distinguishing from birds. However, their effective distance is greatly affected by weather conditions.

• Acoustic Detection (Short-range Supplementary Blind Spot): Collect sounds through microphone arrays and use AI algorithms to analyze high-frequency rotor noise for identification. Pure passive detection is difficult to interfere with and effective in complex electromagnetic environments. However, the effective distance is short (usually less than 500 meters), and it is susceptible to environmental background noise.

Ø Core Advantages

• Absolutely Invisible Communication: Transmit signals through optical fibers without radiating radio waves into space, making spectrum detection and protocol analysis technologies completely ineffective.
• Almost Unlimited Endurance: Rely on optical fibers for continuous power supply, enabling long-term hovering and monitoring.
• High Bandwidth and Low Latency: Can stably transmit large-capacity data such as high-definition videos.

Ø Identification Methods

• Radar Detection (The Only Reliable Long-distance Detection Method): Can detect the physical body of UAVs, requiring advanced radar systems capable of identifying hovering or extremely low-speed tiny targets.

• Optoelectronic/Infrared Detection (Necessary Collaborative Confirmation Method): After radar detects suspicious targets, deploy high-definition visible light and infrared cameras for visual confirmation; 24/7 uninterrupted panoramic optoelectronic monitoring systems need to be established around high-value facilities, integrating AI intelligent analysis to search for abnormal objects.

• Tactical and Physical Means (Auxiliary Methods): Deploy "spider web" - type interception systems around key areas to capture the aircraft body and reverse track the ground control station through optical fibers; according to the optical fiber length limit (usually 1-2 kilometers), lock the possible hiding areas of the control station for carpet - search.

Faced with complex UAV threats, it is necessary to construct a multi-level and multi-technology integrated defense system.

For racing drones, a collaborative scheme of "radar-based detection + spectrum assistance + optoelectronic/infrared confirmation + acoustic supplementary blind spot" is adopted;

For fiber optic UAVs, the core combination of "radar detection + optoelectronic confirmation" is relied on.

At the same time, integrate information from various sensors through a data fusion center, and use artificial intelligence for unified analysis and decision-making to improve the ability to detect, identify, track and dispose of UAV targets..

Interviewed by: Mr. Chen, Engineer
Editor: Ms. Yuzu Zhang