The United States Air Force has purchased a counter-UAS radar system from Black Sage to provide precise targeting data for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR) to defeat drones. According to a company press release, in order to provide the precise targeting data required by the THOR system, Black Sage utilized its proprietary DefenseOS® software to receive and process data from the C-UAS radars and export the data to the US military’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2).
“During a successful evaluation, the integrated CUAS radar system, FAAD C2 and THOR weapon targeted and defeated drones,” said the company.
“THOR is a counter-swarm electromagnetic weapon developed by AFRL for defense of airbases. The system provides non-kinetic defeat of multiple targets. It operates from a wall plug and uses energy to disable drones. The system uses High Power Microwaves (HPM) to cause a counter electronic effect. Targets are identified, the silent weapon discharges in a nanosecond, and the impact is instantaneous…. DefenseOS® open architecture command and control software enables rapid integration of CUAS sensors and effectors. Since the company’s founding in 2014, DefenseOS® has facilitated the integration of over 30 CUAS sensors and effectors.
“In the continuous pursuit of the highest performing CUAS sensors and effectors, Black Sage has evaluated five different Passive RF components and multiple radar sensors in this calendar year alone. These component evaluations also allow Black Sage to serve customers as an “honest broker” with respect to manufacturer claims and actual performance.”
