Page 41 - Australian Defence Magazine April-May 2021

SPONSORED CONTENT
XPELLER – PROTECTION FROM DANGEROUS HIGH FLYERS THE THREAT FROM THE AIR
HENSOLDT’s Xpeller counter-UAV system provides protection from the ever-increasing threat posed by over-the-counter drones.
THE GROWTH of the drone market continues to accelerate, with demand for commercial and recreational use ever increasing. Insider intelligence estimates that annual global sales will reach US$2.4 million in 2023. As legislative frameworks struggle to keep up with the advance of unmanned aerial technologies, threats as- sociated with increased drone use also arise.
Small drones, often commercially available for just a few hundred dollars, can be converted into flying explosive devices, delivery sys- tems or filming devices with little effort. Effective boundary man- agement for new and existing airspace users is being increasingly challenged.
Countering such threats needs a smarter solution.
XPELLER – THE DRONE EXPELLER WITH MODULAR COUNTER-UAV SOLUTIONS
The name Xpeller is derived from the idea of expelling an intruder. HENSOLDT has developed a modular and flexible counter-UAV sys- tem by adding radio detectors and countermeasures. These act in addition to existing technologies for monitoring airspace, using ra- dar and high resolution cameras, all of which can be tailored to spe- cific customer needs. Xpeller is easy to operate and can locate and classify even small hobby drones at a range of several kilometres.
HENSOLDT has vast experience with a broad portfolio of sensors, effectors and sensor fusion that make up a complete Counter-UAV sys- tem solution, deployed to support different requirements. In May last year, the Netherlands National Police used an Xpeller C-UAV solution to secure Remembrance Day celebrations in Amsterdam against mali- cious un-authorised UAVs. In France, Xpeller was deployed for surveil- lance and security for a heads of government meeting. The applications
ABOUT HENSOLDT AUSTRALIA
HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd (HENSOLDT Australia) is a tech- nology solutions company. Providing system integration and engineering services, HENSOLDT Australia is recognised for introducing leading technologies, delivering radars, electronic warfare systems, electro-optronic devices and air traffic control equipment to our customers. We have been introducing cut- ting edge technologies, delivering radars, electronic warfare systems, electro-optronic devices and air traffic control equip- ment to our customers in Australia for over ten years.
Our through life support capabilities include repairs of radar and antenna systems in Australia, not only for our products but also for other systems. In 2020, HENSOLDT Australia expanded warehousing and inventory management capabilities and further increased our maintenance, repair and manufacturing footprint.
HENSOLDT Australia is headquartered in Canberra, and while growing, currently has a staff of 37 people. More than 30 are dedicated specialists that support various Defence pro- grams and civilian applications across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
for improved safety and surveillance are many, with solutions including both mobile and permanent deployment for law enforcement, military surveillance, border security, protection of critical infrastructure (such as dams and hydroelectric schemes), event security, site protection (such as oil rigs and government buildings), airport security, site situ- ational awareness and even polar bear detection in Greenland!
High-resolution cameras and 360 degree awareness make it eas- ier to determine whether there is a serious threat, ensuring early detection for decision making. The threat can then be addressed by choosing an appropriate countermeasure, reducing risks and costs with managing interference in surrounding air space.
WORKING TOGETHER ACROSS ALL BOUNDARIES
When it comes to preparing a security concept, HENSOLDT pro- vides advice and recommendations, based on a comprehensive vul- nerability analysis of the site, event or situation.
This allows a tailor-made system to be configured alongside the customer, optimally taking individual needs and the operational en- vironment circumstances into context.
At HENSOLDT Australia’s headquarters in Canberra, both mili- tary and civilian customers can experience an installation of Xpel- ler to experience the surveillance, detection and counter measure protection offered in person. Live demonstrations have been suc- cessful with the Australian Defence Force and in-country support is offered by an experienced technical team.
HENSOLDT is also in the final stages of completing designs on a mobile configuration for the Xpeller system, which will soon be available for demonstrations on location.
www.hensoldt.net