2024年12月24日
Non-Kinetic Jamming Drones
Non-Kinetic Soft-Kill Counter-UAV Techniques
Non-kinetic counter-UAV strategies function by interrupting or intercepting communication signals. Typically, these approaches lead to the drone plummeting to the ground at high speed, rendering them unsuitable for deployment in populated areas. Nevertheless, they may prove beneficial in alternative environments. When evaluating drone countermeasures, it is crucial to verify the legal framework in your country, as the use of drone jammers and spoofers is illegal in the United States. We will now examine several non-kinetic C-UAS techniques.
What are drone jammers?
The operation of jammers is based on the emission of electromagnetic noise across the radio frequencies that drones rely on for their functionality and data transmission. This noise effectively obscures the communication link between the drone and its controller. Typically, these frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which are unallocated public frequencies. As a result, jammers are structured to avoid interference with manned aircraft, mobile phones, public broadcasts, or other specific radio bands.
Jammers can exist as either permanently affixed devices or as components of highly mobile, gun-shaped tools that facilitate the safe descent of a drone.
What happens when a drone gets jammed?
- Will the drone land, or
- Will the drone return to its location
What are the drawbacks of drone jamming?
As per the regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), drone jammers are illegal within the United States.
Utilizing a 'cell phone jammer' or similar apparatus to deliberately block, disrupt, or interfere with authorized radio communications constitutes a violation of federal law. These devices, which include signal blockers, GPS jammers, and text blockers, can severely compromise critical public safety communications, thereby preventing individuals from accessing 9-1-1 and other emergency services. Furthermore, jammers may also interfere with communications essential for law enforcement operations.
Engaging in the operation of a jammer in the United States can incur considerable fines, the confiscation of prohibited equipment, and criminal penalties, potentially resulting in imprisonment.
Applicable Law
Communications Act of 1934
- Section 301 - Requires a person who operates or uses a radio transmitter to be licensed or authorized pursuant to the Commission's regulations (47 USC § 301)
- Section 333 - Prohibits intentional or malicious interference with the radio communications of any station licensed or authorized under the Act or operated by the United States Government (47 USC § 333)
