Ukrainian company DattoTech is working on a new version of the passive unmanned aerial vehicle detector ‘Shcheznyk’. Planned upgrades include support for mesh networks, expanded capabilities for working with digital communications channels, and a broader range of signals the device will be able to detect. This is reported by Militarnyi.
The key technical change in the updated version will be the introduction of an SDR architecture. This involves replacing a set of analogue chipsets and separate filters with a software-configurable radio system that performs digital signal processing.
According to the developers, this approach will make it possible to track a wider frequency range simultaneously, as well as to expand the device’s functionality by adding new detection algorithms through software updates.
According to Militarnyi, this will enable the new ‘Shcheznyk’ to recognise digital control and video transmission channels used by DJI, Autel and Walksnail drones. The system will register the presence of the relevant signal and determine the sector from which it is coming. At the same time, the device will not be capable of intercepting the video stream from digital channels.
A separate line of work at DattoTech is the development of means to detect mesh networks used by strike drones, including the ‘Geran’. To do this, the company’s specialists are creating algorithms to recognise the characteristic packet traffic exchanged by drones within such networks. Based on preliminary test results, the system is capable of detecting the relevant signals at a distance of up to 17–18 km.
In addition, the company is developing a technology for early detection of locations where drone operators are working. It will be based on searching for repeater signals used to maintain communications with UAVs. The initially stated detection range for such signals is 20–30 km. The initial version of the system will be designed to work with repeaters with power of up to 20 W.
At present, ‘Shcheznyk’ is capable of detecting both analogue and digital drone signals. When working with analogue FPV drones, the device can intercept the video feed from the onboard camera and transmit the resulting image to the operator. If a digital signal is detected, the system determines its direction, indicating the presence of a drone nearby and the sector from which the emission is coming.
The current modification of the detector has four operating bands: 1.2, 3.3, 5.8 and 8.5 GHz. The device weighs 540 grams, and its battery life is 5 to 6 hours. Software updates can be installed via Wi‑Fi.
‘Shcheznyk’ operates in passive mode, meaning it does not emit its own radio signals. It also includes a friend-or-foe function, which makes it possible to exclude from the detection process frequencies used by friendly drones.