Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport has partnered with NAV CANADA and QinetiQ Canada to trial the company’s Obsidian Counter UAS system. The three organisations are working in cooperation to facilitate the installation and employment of the Obsidian micro-Doppler radar unit with the goal of determining the feasibility of the system to function compatibly in a civilian airport environment. Several objectives for the trial have been identified, including:
- Evaluating the accurate and timely detection/early warning of drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS);
- Assessing the effective utilization of the system to initiate an appropriate response to drone/RPAS detection between the Airport Authority and NAV CANADA;
- Assessing system compatibility in an international airport environment where other partner systems could cause interference; and
- Demonstrating the airport’s commitment to promoting innovation and leadership in addressing the challenge of drone detection and mitigation.
The Airport Authority is continually seeking ways to improve situational awareness within its vast perimeter, regardless of weather or lighting conditions. QinetiQ’s Obsidian Counter UAS System has been designed specifically for drone detection, and features enhanced scope and coverage to recognize drone features, while avoiding misclassification of non-drone activity such as bird or wildlife movement.
The Airport Authority also referenced the findings of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on UAS Mitigation at Airports published last week which stated: “The threat of UAS intrusions introduces great risk and highlights the need for solutions that can safeguard airports from rogue UAS and this potentially disruptive technology. Recent UAS incidents at airports raise concerns of gaps in safety and security and underscore the need for airports to have clear policies to manage these incidents.”
President and CEO of the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority, and member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force Mark Laroche said: “The trial with QinetiQ’s Obsidian Counter UAS System will provide all parties the opportunity to test a viable detection and mitigation system at an active airport. The trial dovetails perfectly with both the Airport Authority’s Drone Incident Protocol and the recommendations in the BRTF’s Interim and Final reports.”
(Image: QinetiQ)
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