RuAviation

Comprehensive trials have begun in Russia of an integrated system designed to identify civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and to incorporate airspace management technologies for the protection of critical infrastructure. The state information system, ‘ERA-GLONASS’, forms the central element of the solution, according to a press release from JSC ‘GLONASS’.

To expedite the implementation of the system and avoid lengthy development processes, the project draws together technologies that are already ready to deploy. The primary aim is to enhance the safety of drone operations and to open up regional airspace for their use, aligning with the objectives set by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

The drone identification system is predicated on the use of external and embedded trackers, each incorporating an integrated X-SIM card. These devices operate on the ‘ERA-GLONASS’ communications network, which provides maximum radio coverage across Russian territory. The X-SIM is noted for its robustness at low temperatures and requires no external recharging, making it a reliable solution for operating in harsh climates. Furthermore, secure data transmission is guaranteed through the use of cryptographic protection in the trackers, utilising domestic encryption algorithms.

The ‘ERA-GLONASS’-based monitoring platform is capable of transmitting real-time drone location data to regional situation centres and federal regulatory authorities. Should a flight rule infringement occur, the system can issue a command for the drone to execute a forced landing. This functionality has already been successfully trialled on light aircraft and drones in the Sakhalin Oblast as part of the ‘Archipelago-2024’ project.

The next phase of system development will involve the integration of hybrid communications networks, including a satellite component. This will ensure more reliable coverage and control of UAVs in remote areas. The development of such networks is being undertaken as part of the National Project “Unmanned Aircraft Systems” and is consistent with the strategic importance of developing technologies for the organisation of safe movement in the air.

System testing is scheduled to commence in March-April at the Mikheevo and Oreshkovo aerodromes in the Kaluga Oblast. The region is actively engaged in unmanned aviation projects and is ready to provide the infrastructure for trials. Use of the system will allow authorities to receive complete information on all flights within the region, thereby improving levels of safety and oversight.

The drone identification concept was developed by the Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications named after Professor M. A. Bonch-Bruevich. It is based on the use of unique identifiers that are programmed into the trackers. Tracking drone behaviour and identifying anomalous situations is accomplished by transmitting identifiers to a verification server via mobile communications networks. The concept was successfully proven during engineering competitions within ‘Archipelago-2024’, where all attempts at data spoofing were detected and thwarted.

The identification system also incorporates integration with airspace control technologies for the protection of critical infrastructure sites. In the event of a threat, the system can interrupt a UAV’s flight or direct it to a designated landing site, without suppressing legal operations.

Leading manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as Aeromax, Turing Flying Machines, Drone Solutions and RobotechnicInnovation will participate in the system testing. The list of participants will be expanded in due course, encompassing a greater number of usage scenarios and improving system reliability.