Detector, ECM.
The AUDS Technology Team brings together three UK companies each with the unique capabilities required to create AUDS. The Blighter Surveillance Systems Blighter A400 series Air Security radar is able to detect small UAVs in all weather conditions 24 hours a day. The Chess Dynamics EO/IR camera system, with state-of-the-art video tracking technology, is able to track the UAV and, combined with radar target information, classify the target. The operator is then able to make a timely and informed decision to use the Enterprise Control Systems Ltd, ECS, smart RF inhibitor to selectively interfere with the C2 channels on the UAV allowing the system to disrupt the UAV’s mission. AUDS is a second-generation system that detects, tracks, identifies, and defeats UAS threats. The AUDS system utilizes state-of-the-art radar, precision thermal and daylight cameras, advanced video tracking, and non-kinetic defeat capabilities. AUDS is a TRL-9 level system, and is in full production.
The US version of the AUDS system first deployed with the US Army in late 2016. Liteye is now deploying and supporting their AUDS, M-AUDS, M-AUDS-KE, and C-AUDS variants of their C-UAS system.
In March 2021 Liteye launched a multi-mission, multi-domain C-UAS system called Liteye SHIELD.
According to a press release, Liteye SHIELD incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning techniques with a newly designed SPYGLASS 3D radar, EO and IR tracking to increase the speed and confidence of the system. The SHIELD Command and Control further ensures the full Detect, Track, ID Kill Chain is automated and conducted at machine speed. .
The system is designed to detect, track, identification and classification allowing an operator to monitor the environment, manage multiple systems. Key components include: Spyglass 3D Radar for Detect & Track, AI based RF Detect, AI Target Prioritization, and Automated Video Track.
SHIELD utilizes a Man-ON-the-Loop local C2, and is networked, requiring low manpower to operate any system from any console with a distributed common operation picture. The local C2 provides multi-sensor resource management & Sensor Fusion to an intuitive operating system with Machine Learning principles and 3D targeting for cueing networked effectors. It is designed to operate across air, ground, surface, and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum.
Partnerships:
In October 2018 OpenWorks Engineering Ltd and Liteye Systems Inc announced they formed an exclusive partnership to support military, law enforcement and security authorities with their counter-UAS missions; The two companies are joining forces to offer an integrated low-collateral-damage C-UAS defeat layer to Liteye’s counter unmanned systems offerings.
Liteye and Numerica are cooperating on C-UAS radar systems
In early 2020 Liteye Systems signed a strategic alliance agreement with UK manufacturer Chess Dynamics to market a portfolio of Chess products and services in the US. Products include an array of layered technologies designed to address force protection and surveillance.
In March 2020 Liteye Systems announced a partnership with Citadel Defense to enhance their counter drone solutions.
In August 2020 Liteye announced the launch of a Trailer Anti-UAS Defense System (T-AUDS) which the manufacturer describes as an on-the-move and fixed-site C-UAS solution. According to the Liteye press release, T-AUDS is a multi-domain awareness and protection package, capable of detecting and defeating RF controlled and silent flight drones while mobile, then transiting from on-the-move to static in less than two minutes, with full capabilities being brought to bear in defense of a location. Liteye has integrated AUDS and Citadel’s Titan 3 radio frequency detection into the T-AUDS for enhanced detection, identification, and defeat methods across the full C-UAS mission. T-AUDS provides an on-the-move and static C-UAS capability that includes physical stand-off when necessary and minimizes vulnerabilities during strategic mission sets.
In September 2021 the US Air Force awarded Liteye, together with Huntington Ingles Industries, a multiple-year contract worth USD7 million to support C-UAS deployed in Europe and Africa.
In October 2021 the US Army awarded a USD5.5 million multiple-year contract to SAIC and Liteye Systems to integrate the company’s SHIELD C-UAS payload in the US Army (RCCTO) High Energy Laser (HEL) prototype effort.
In early 2022 Liteye Systems announced a collaboration with Pratt & Miller to develop C-UAS capability on the EMAV unmanned ground vehicle.