Frequently asked questions

The AARTOS Drone Detection System features a virtually unlimited detection range, equal to (or larger than) the maximum distance between the operator and the drone (depending on the transmission power of the drone and/or its operator). The latest AARTOS DDS V6 can handle a DJI Phantom 4 FCC drone from a range of 50 km or more. The specific range depends on factors such as drone type and topography.

Detecting a drone may take the system between 10 µs to 500 ms, depending on factors such as the complexity of the specific AARTOS system in use, the number of IsoLOG 3D DF antenna arrays, etc.

In general, a drone can be detected as soon as its operator establishes a radio link (i.e. the drone and/or the remote control are switched on). The process of pairing, radio linking, then take-off and climb usually takes between 30 seconds and five minutes, depending on the drone model (our reference being the DJI Mavic Pro). This allows the AARTOS DDS unique early-warning capabilities by detecting the drone even before it takes off.

Optical, acoustic or radar-based drone detection solutions do not have the ability to perform this kind of early-warning detection.

Yes, the AARTOS DDS will detect the drone operator. It can track the operator’s movements even if drone and operator are operating at different frequencies or bands.

The AARTOS DDS uses real-time RF signal detection plus a combination of AI-based smart pattern triggers and neural network scans.

Absolutely – this is a unique feature of the AARTOS DDS! With two or more antennas, the DDS can detect the drone’s altitude; a single system will already show the azimuth.

Yes, only two systems are needed to accurately measure the distance of the drone – most competing drone detection systems require at least three antennas for this. For best results, however, we recommend using three or more systems.

Traditional RF-based drone detection solutions only monitor specific bands (e.g. WiFi 2,4/5,8GHz or ISM 433/868MHz) because this is where most commercial drones have operated in the past, however, the threat landscape is changing. The latest commercial and custom drones can connect at any (mostly illegal) frequencies. This drove us to develop our unique, all-band-monitoring, receiver and ultra-wide-band tracking antenna.

The AARTOS DDS manages to monitor the entire frequency spectrum (e.g. 100MHz – 6GHz) hundreds of times per second. Whatever frequency the drone operator might use, we will be able to detect and track it. A unique feature on the current market.

The system’s DF antenna provides 360° dome coverage (360° azimuth and full 90° elevation). This feature is unique on the market, and can be adjusted to specific needs as needed.

Even though the quickest detection is reached within line of sight, the system does not require it. The AARTOS DDS relies on RF signals, which by their nature can be traced regardless of obstructions like buildings, trees, or people. If the signal is strong enough, the system’s detection range is virtually unlimited.

Since the system can be equipped with an unlimited number of sensors forming a network covering larger and larger areas, there are no inherent limitations in terms of altitude or elevation. All systems can be linked to a single monitoring center with remote-control capabilities for each individual system. Each single system covers a radius of 360°, including the airspace above the sensor (i.e. 360° dome coverage).

The latest AARTOS X3, X5 and X7 systems offer an extremely fast scan mode with a sweep speed above 1THz/s. This way, the system is able to monitor the complete frequency range (eg. 100MHz – 6GHz) hundreds of times per second.

The AARTOS X9 system offers an even faster sweep reaching up to 48THz/s by stitching multiple receivers together.

Yes, the AARTOS DDS can be switched to a 24/7 recording mode.

The system is able to continuously monitor and record the entire real-time spectrum as long as the internal/external storage space (HDD/SSD) does not run out. In the context of a criminal prosecution, this information can be used as valuable evidence.

Yes, the AARTOS DDS can be set to SmartEvent Recording Mode, which automatically filters out and deletes useless data to minimize the amount written to the internal/external storage devices (HDD/SSD).

Yes, the latest AARTOS DDS can detect any flying RF transmitter at any frequency – even flying cellphones!

Yes, in fact the system can very easily be covered without impacting its detection capabilities.

The antenna can be covered with any material, such as camouflage netting, as long as the material is RF non-reflective (i.e. not made of metal). This is yet another advantage of the AARTOS DDS system over optical, acoustic or radar-based drone detection systems. When mounted on a vehicle, the AARTOS DDS can hardly be distinguished from a common TV or satellite antenna.

No, additional RF radiation does not influence the system at all.

Yes, the AARTOS DDS works around the clock, day and night. The availability of daylight is not a limiting factor to the system.

No, the AARTOS DDS is entirely weather-proof and impervious to fog, rain, snow, etc. It was designed and tested to be operated under the harshest conditions.

Yes, our system uses intelligent AI-based pattern classification, enabling it to distinguish precisely between signal types.

We use a sophisticated method of recording drone emission patterns. These patterns are saved in our Smart Trigger Pattern Database (STPD) which is constantly being maintained and expanded (optional upgrades are available via service contracts). For professional use, users can also add custom pattern recordings to their database through the system’s teach-in function.

Yes, the system is adaptable. You can use the teach-in function to “teach” the AARTOS DDS which drones are friendly, allowing it to distinguish friendly drones from actual threats (black- and whitelist).

Absolutely not. The AARTOS DDS has been specifically designed to distinguish on a sophisticated level between drones and other airborne objects, minimizing the likelihood of false alarms.

The AARTOS DDS will detect both drones and operators. However, the extent and accuracy of this information depends on the number of systems and antennas in use. A single AARTOS DDS can provide the direction and azimuth for a drone signal. The accuracy depends on the type of IsoLOG used: The IsoLOG 3D DF 160 antenna offers up to 1° sector accuracy, meeting ITU class A – the highest class. Real-life accuracy, however, depends on the specific environment (antenna height, reflecting objects etc.).

Another factor determining the level of accuracy is the number of IsoLOG antennas. If two or more antennas are being operated, signal triangulation enables users to locate the exact position and altitude of the drone and/or its operator. A single antenna will only register the direction and azimuth of the signal.

Yes, the system can detect multiple drones or drone swarms at once – regardless of brand, type frequency/frequencies or direction.

Yes, we offer various so-called countermeasure solutions (CMS), a.k.a. Jammers, to “keep drones out”, as it were: Both stationary and mobile solutions are available, such as our mobile handheld jammer and automatic stationary sector jammers.

Yes, the stationary CMS can be integrated seamlessly into the AARTOS DDS system.

Since the mobile handheld CMS is entirely manual, it is not available as an integrated solution.

Once set up correctly, a stationary CMS does not require an operator. All our stationary CMS can be controlled manually, semi-automatically or in fully-automated mode – tailored specifically to users’ needs.

From the time a drone has been spotted by the AARTOS DDS, it takes between 1-2 seconds to block the control signal and video link. These figures apply to the stationary and the mobile CMS versions as well.

Depending on the specific model, the stationary CMS has a range of up to 12 km (7 miles).

The mobile CMS has a shutdown range of 1-2 km (1 mile), while still being able to block the systems of targets further away.

Specific requirements depend on the system. Our portable systems are powered by an independent battery while our other systems require an external power supply. Systems that rely on multiple remote units need a power supply as well as Ethernet cable connections.

We also offer versions that are GSM-based, which use 24GHz airFiber links or satellite link-ups, and do not require an Ethernet cable connection.

Our mobile AARTOS DDS X3 is ready to use within 30 seconds.

With our bigger systems – X5, X7 and X9 – a trained crew of two people can set up a single system within 3 to 5 minutes.

Software upgrades (e.g. for the drone database, new software features, and device firmware) generally take around 10 to 20 minutes. The system does not require any further downtime.

No, in fact, once the initial setup is completed, the system can work fully automated. DDS operation can also be switched at any time to semi-automated or completely manual mode.

Yes, the AARTOS DDS system includes an application programming interface (API), allowing the user to integrate it into any existing surveillance software and hardware systems.

The training necessary to operate the AARTOS DDS can be obtained within a few days at our training campus in Germany. Please contact [email protected] for further details regarding our trainings.

The antenna should be installed at a minimum height of 3 meters from the ground. The general rule of thumb is: The higher the antenna, the more accurate are its results and the higher is its range.

Yes, a standard lightning rod can be installed and does not influence the AARTOS Drone Detection System’s performance.

Not at all. Thanks to its durability, the AARTOS DDS can be mounted on many types of mobile vehicles: It can be installed on cars, trucks, vans, even on yachts. All parts of the IsoLOG 3D DF antenna are resistant to salt water in addition to its weather and splash resistance with full IP65 certification. Coastal and marine environments do not limit the system’s performance.

No, the AARTOS DDS does not emit any radiation which could interfere with such an infrastructure. The DDS is an entirely passive system.

The IsoLOG 3D DF antenna supports an operating temperature range of -40° C to +80° C.

Our real-time spectrum analyzer (XFR V6 PRO) supports operating temperatures of -20° C to +60° C.

When it comes to drone detection, the term ‘target group’ becomes ambiguous – drones pose a potential threat to commercial, public and private causes alike. This makes our drone detection system beneficial to a variety of customer groups: companies such as the automotive and chemical industry, critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants, correctional facilities, governments, but also operators of airports, stadiums and concerts.

Military branches and security firms benefit from drone detection on a similar level, as do private individuals seeking to protect their homes and properties.

The AARTOS DDS is under continuous development and is consistently updated. In addition, we offer service-level agreements (SLAs) which include regular updates and maintenance of the drone database, DDS software, firmware for our analyzers, and even the IsoLOG 3D DF antennas and receivers.

We provide support for a minimum of 10 years for the AARTOS Drone Detection Systems.

We demonstrate the AARTOS DDS at various international trade shows and conventions, and cooperate with partners around the globe. Should you have further queries regarding demonstrations, please contact us at [email protected].

Both the hardware and the software of the AARTOS Drone Detection System are being developed and manufactured in Germany, in adherence to the highest quality standards.

The typical lead time for a single AARTOS DDS is around 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of the final configuration.

For all information related to the AARTOS DDS and its price range, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

In most cases, the AARTOS DDS has no restrictions with regard to export or import.

For further clarification, please contact us at [email protected].