The rapid development of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is driving the exponential growth of the computer industry and represents an asymmetrical threat situation as a potential means of attack against the background of inefficient defense options. Intervention geared towards the next evolutionary step, in which aircraft have more autonomy. With the SILBOS project we have developed a radio system with multiple antennas, especially for fast-moving objects in flight, in order to enable targeted disruption of communication and navigation.

Commercial unmanned flight systems mainly use satellite-based navigation systems (GNSS) as the primary means of navigation. The flight systems are only equipped with receivers. The strength of the GNSS signal on the earth's surface is around -160 dBW. Due to this low signal strength, these can easily be impaired or modified. Radio systems are mainly used to control unmanned flight systems. Here, too, the aim of an intervention is to reduce the SNR at the receiver in order to prevent remote control of the flight system.

We investigated the use of multiple antennas (multiple-input multiple-output, MIMO) applied to fast moving unmanned flight systems and we implemented a prototype. The spatial focussing of the interference signal is of great advantage, especially for civil applications, as it only has a minimal impact on other systems.

The main goal of the SILBOS project was the holistic analysis of threads imposed by UAS from technological, legal as well as ethical aspects. From the wireless technology point of view the aim of the project was to investigate technical and organizational measures to defend against small and very small devices through targeted interference (jamming) communication and navigation options. The use and operation of the device should be impaired to such an extent that the mission cannot be carried out. In particular, multi-antenna solutions have been used, which are characterized by particular efficiency of the directional effect even at higher speeds.

Start: 01.12.2017

Ende: 31.05.2021

Ziele:

Hauptziel des Projekts SILBOS ist die ganzheitliche Analyse der Bedrohung durch UAS aus technologischer, rechtlicher und ethischer Sicht. Ein weiterer Forschungsschwerpunkt ist die Untersuchung technischer und organisatorischer Maßnahmen zur Abwehr kleiner und kleinster Fluggeräte durch gezielte Störung ihrer Kommunikation und Navigation. Nutzung und Betrieb des Geräts sollten so stark gestört werden, dass die Mission nicht ausgeführt werden kann. Eingesetzt werden hier vor allem Mehrantennensysteme, die auch bei höheren Geschwindigkeiten durch ihre Richtwirkung eine besonders hohe Effizienz erzielen.

Ergebnisse:

Entwicklung eines Funksystems mit mehreren Antennen zur gezielten Störung von Kommunikation und Navigation von schnell fliegenden Flugobjekten.

Webpage: https://www.kiras.at/en/financed-proposals/detail/d/silbos-1/

Funding: FFG Kiras

Partners:

• AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
• Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH
• Frequentis AG
• CNS-Solutions & Support GmbH
• IGASPIN GmbH
• INRAS GmbH
• Johannes Kepler Universität
• RIEGL Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH
• Austro Control Österreichische Gesellschaft für Zivilluftfahrt GmbH
• Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie
• Bundesministerium für Inneres
• Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung und Sport
• Bundesministerium für Justiz