Danish defense company MyDefence has unveiled a new wearable drone detection device, the Wingman Edge, designed to provide frontline soldiers with early warning capabilities against small drones. This innovative system allows soldiers to identify potential aerial threats from up to 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) away by passively receiving radio frequency signals emitted by drones.
Advanced Detection Capabilities
Unlike traditional detection methods that rely solely on existing threat signature databases, the Wingman Edge employs a sophisticated combination of feature-based radio frequency identification and on-device AI spectrum analysis. It continuously scans a wide frequency range from 200 MHz to 6 GHz. This broad scan allows it to detect not only known drone signals, remote controls, communication links, Wi-Fi, and analog video transmissions, but also to identify unknown radio frequency activities that have not yet been cataloged.
Passive Design for Enhanced Security
A key feature of the Wingman Edge is its passive design. By not emitting any radio frequency energy itself, the device significantly reduces the risk of the wearer being located by enemy forces through electromagnetic signals. This is a crucial advantage in tactical situations where stealth and avoiding detection are paramount.
Real-time Alerts and Integration
Upon detecting a suspicious signal, the Wingman Edge can alert the soldier within approximately 10 seconds. The alerts can be delivered through audible sounds, visual lights, vibrations, or directly on the device’s display screen. The exact detection range and response time can vary depending on the specific radio frequency environment and line-of-sight conditions.
Lightweight and Network-Enabled
Weighing less than 1 kilogram, the Wingman Edge is 17% lighter than its predecessor, making it a more comfortable and practical piece of equipment for soldiers to wear in the field. Furthermore, the device is designed for seamless integration with existing tactical networks. It can share its detection results with other soldiers, vehicles, and command and control systems, contributing to a more comprehensive battlefield situational awareness picture. The system also supports tactical applications like ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit), facilitating better team coordination and collaboration.
Addressing Evolving Drone Threats
MyDefence CEO Dan D. S. Hermansen highlighted the importance of the Wingman Edge in the face of constantly evolving drone threats. “Drone threats are continuously evolving and don’t wait for signature databases to be updated,” Hermansen stated. He emphasized that the primary goal of the Wingman Edge is to equip soldiers with a clearer understanding of anomalous activities within their surrounding electromagnetic spectrum.
This new wearable device represents a significant step forward in soldier-portable counter-drone technology, offering enhanced situational awareness and a crucial early warning capability in complex and dynamic battlefield environments.
