QinetiQ drone detection technology trialled at YOW

Air November 1, 2019

The Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority (the Airport Authority) has announced that it has partnered with NAV CANADA and QinetiQ Canada to trial the company’s Obsidian Counter UAS System at YOW.

According to the findings of the BRTF Interim Report earlier this year, “the threat of UAS intrusions introduces great risk and highlights the need for solutions that can safeguard airports from rogue UAS and this potentially disruptive technology. Recent UAS incidents at airports raise concerns of gaps in safety and security and underscore the need for airports to have clear policies to manage these incidents.”

The Airport Authority is continually seeking ways to improve YOW’s situational awareness within its vast perimeter, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.

QinetiQ’s Obsidian Counter UAS System has been designed specifically for drone detection, and features enhanced scope and coverage to recognise drone features, while avoiding misclassification of non-drone activity such as bird or wildlife movement.

The Airport Authority, NAV CANADA and QinetiQ will be working in cooperation to facilitate the installation and employment of the Obsidian micro-Doppler radar unit with the goal of determining the feasibility of the system to function compatibly in a civilian airport environment.

Several objectives for the trial have been identified, including:

Evaluating the accurate and timely detection / early warning of drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS);
Assessing the effective utilisation of the system to initiate an appropriate response to drone / RPAS detection between the Airport Authority and NAV CANADA;
Assessing system compatibility in an international airport environment where other partner systems could cause interference; and
Demonstrating YOW’s commitment to promoting innovation and leadership in addressing the challenge of drone detection and mitigation.

Neil Wilson, CEO of NAV CANADA, and member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force, commented: “Establishing drone security measures at airports is a crucial component to mitigating risks and maintaining the safety of our skies. Collaborations like this one are crucial to developing policies and practices that ensure drones are safely integrated in our airspace.”

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drones NAV CANADA Obsidian Counter UAS System Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority QinetiQ QinetiQ Canada YOW