Air naviation service provider Airservices Australia has selected Thales for a trial at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport during 2022 to identify and manage drone activity in the vicinity of the airport. Thales’ solution uses a multi-layered sensor approach and advanced command and control for the detection, monitoring and identification of drones, as well as being able to pinpoint the location of the drone pilot. The entire system provides a comprehensive picture of the airspace in real time around the airport. At the core of the system is a radar, designed to detect, track and classify small, slow, low UAVs from the smallest remote-piloted drones to more sophisticated autonomous drones, in particular for the glide path where the biggest risk exists.
Since its launch in 2019, the solution has been deployed at several airports around the world in Europe, America and Asia. For more than 30 years, Airservices Australia has trusted and relied on Thales as the supplier of key ATM infrastructure and solutions, including the OneSKY program, the largest transformation of Australian ATM systems to date.
“Airservices, in partnership with Australian Government agencies, implemented drone detection capabilities at major airports across Australia several years ago. As uncrewed aircraft technologies continue to evolve and increase in use, we are investing in solutions that keep pace with latest developments. Our partnership with Thales allows us to trial next-generation drone detection capabilities to enhance the safe operation of crewed and uncrewed flights operating together in Australian airspace,” said Peter Curran, Chief Customer Experience and Strategy Officer, Airservices Australia.
“We are looking forward to starting trials in partnership with Airservices Australia, to enhance their detection capabilities of drones. This partnership strengthens our collaboration of more than 30 years and represents a key building block for our strategy. Over the years, Thales has developed a strong expertise and experience to master the entire drone ecosystem to offer cutting-edge solutions. Indeed, we have demonstrated our ability to be a strong player in the field of airport air surveillance and anti-drone systems, through various worldwide references to date and our 3D holographic radar system solution is becoming a ‘game changer’ in protecting aircraft from rogue drones whilst maintaining airport operations,” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice President Land and Air Systems, Thales.
(Image: Aveillant 3D holographic radar, Thales)
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