Russia's Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (JSC NPK KBM) in Kolomna has patented a new technique to safeguard tanks from drone attacks. Existing MBT (Main Battle Tank) active protection systems (APS), such as the Arena-M fitted on the T-90M, are designed to detect, track, and engage fast-moving ATGMs and shells. However, they are ineffective against small battlefield kamikaze drones.
Overcoming the Challenge
Small drones flying at low speeds generate weak RF reflections and are therefore ignored by the APS as background clutter. The patented technique does not attempt to detect the drone directly. Instead, it detects a drone indirectly by sensing the distinctive scattering pattern of RF signal reflections generated by the drone’s propellers.
Propeller blades create a characteristic micro-Doppler signature that is normally interpreted as “radar noise.”
In Patent No. 2853544, published in the database of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS), KBM developers propose hardware and algorithmic modifications to the radar sensor that allow the APS to additionally handle drone threats. The radar periodically switches from a long-range detection mode—optimized to detect and track missiles and shells—to a short-range detection mode optimized for drones using the patented technique.
This allows the radar to seamlessly track both high-speed threats and slow-moving drones.
It would be possible to upgrade existing Arena-M APS installations with the patented hardware and software, giving T-90M “Breakthrough” tanks a dedicated counter-drone capability.
The existing Arena-M complex reportedly features a multifunctional radar station with high noise immunity for threat detection. For threat engagement, it employs quick-activation ammunition placed along the perimeter of the tank turret in dedicated installation shafts.
No comments:
Post a Comment