Aerospace

Operational Solutions' drone countermeasures deployed at Heathrow

Posted 14 January 2020

Today, Operational Solutions announced that its bespoke set of anti-drone systems has been deployed at Heathrow as part of the airport’s end-to-end counter drone measures to help keep the country’s busiest airfield free from drones.

Courtesy Operational Solutions

This one-of-a-kind Counter Drone system works by detecting and tracking drones in surrounding airspace and alerting airports of unauthorised drone use quickly and efficiently. This new and innovative system also works to locate the drone pilots themselves and can be used to identify their location.

This technology has been specifically designed for Heathrow Airport by Operational Solutions Ltd, integrating for the first time a variety of leading counter drone technologies from different manufacturers.

The fast and accurate detection of rogue drones helps to keep Heathrow’s passengers and colleagues safe and will support the airport, law enforcement and air traffic controllers as they work to protect Heathrow’s airspace. This new kit will enhance detection capabilities and minimise delays, helping passengers to get away on time. The technology will also help the airport to meet its sustainability objectives, by reducing the fuel wastage and additional flight stacking caused by unauthorised drones use.

This news follows the introduction of legislation, introduced in March 2019, prohibiting unauthorised drones from being flown within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) which extends out to 5km of any airport boundary. Pilots who break the law and fly without permission within a Flight Restriction Zone in the UK can face a prison sentence of up to five years.

Mark Legh-Smith, founder and CEO of Operational Solutions Ltd, said: “OSL is delighted that it has been selected as the solution architect and system integrator for the bespoke set of counter drone systems that have been deployed at Heathrow. We are pleased to be contributing to the safety and security of passengers and airlines at the UK’s largest international airport.”

Jonathan Coen, Director of Security said: “The safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is our number one priority. That is why we’re investing in this new cutting-edge technology which will enhance our capabilities in the detection and deterrence of drones in and around our airfield.

"We’re delighted to have this unique system keeping our skies safe and helping passengers and cargo to get to their destinations on time.”