Overview of acoustic detection for counter unmanned aircraft systems

Abstract

Integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) is currently a major problem for government and industry. The detection of unauthorized UAS activity is a concern. There is a need for effective low-cost sensor technology to detect and track unauthorized UAS operations. Acoustic sensor systems have potential to improve counter UAS (C-UAS) sensing capabilities at greatly reduced cost relative to traditional sensors such as radar and optical systems, but the commercially available acoustic sensing technology is still lacking. The MITRE Corporation has been a leader in advising the United States’ Federal Government on the issues around integration of UAS into the NAS and C-UAS technologies. Research done by MITRE on acoustic sensing of UAS will be presented. The current state of commercially available acoustic sensor systems will be briefly reviewed. Recommendations that MITRE has developed on how to design acoustic sensor systems for C-UAS will be discussed. Future research directions in topics such as acoustic beamforming, array design, and outdoor sound propagation will be recommended. Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 18-4035