volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

The problem of defeating a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is of considerable importance to the modern warfighter. In recent studies high power radio frequency (HPRF) directed energy weapons (DEWs) have been shown to be suitable for this purpose. Hence there is a need to develop mathematical modelling frameworks to quantify HPRF DEW performance, especially when they are operating in a wideband or ultrawideband mode. Consequently this paper introduces a novel mathematical model, based upon a new interpretation of UAV vulnerabilities to HPRF DEW, which permits performance assessment to be undertaken. The key to this is to view each UAV through its vulnerabilities to HPRF DEW energy at given frequencies and analyse its impact on the lifetime of each of the UAVs. This results in the definition of an appropriate stochastic process to count the number of UAVs still active in the swarm over a given time interval. Consequently this permits the determination of minimum HPRF DEW power levels at given frequencies in order to guarantee likelihood of defeat of the swarm before it reaches the HPRF DEW source. Hence the results in this paper will provide a novel framework for determining the specifications of an HPRF DEW's required power distribution over target vulnerabilities to ensure a desired level of system performance.

1. Kumar, A., "Drone proliferation and security threats: A critical analysis," Indian Journal of Asian Affairs, Vol. 33, 43-62, 2020. Google Scholar

2. Wang, J., Y. Liu, and H. Song, "Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (C-UAS): State of the art challenges and future trends," IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, Vol. 36, 4-29, 2021.
doi:10.1109/MAES.2020.3015537 Google Scholar

3. Lyu, C. and R. Zhan, "Global analysis of the active defense technologies for unmanned aerial vehicle," IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, Vol. 37, 6-31, 2022.
doi:10.1109/MAES.2021.3115205 Google Scholar

4. Graswald, M., R. Gutser, F. Grabner, B. Meyer, C. Winter, and A. Oelerich, "Defeating UAVs through novel HPEM effectors," 31st International Symposium on Ballistics, India, 2019. Google Scholar

5. Giri, D. V., R. Hoad, and F. Sabath, High Power Electromagnetic Effects on Electronic Systems, Artech House, 2020.

6. Lubkowski, G., M. Lanzrath, L. C. Lavau, and M. Suhrke, "Response of the UAV sensor system to HPEM attacks," International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, EMC Europe, 2020. Google Scholar

7. Lavau, L. C., M. Suhrke, and P. Knott, "Susceptibility of sensors to IEMI attacks," IEEE International Joint EMC/SI/PI and EMC Symposium, 533-537, 2021.
doi:10.1109/EMC/SI/PI/EMCEurope52599.2021.9559197 Google Scholar

8. Zhao, M., Y. Chen, X. Zhou, D. Zhang, and Y. Nie, "Investigation on falling and damage mechanisms of UAV illuminated by HPM pulses," IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 64, 1412-1422, 2022.
doi:10.1109/TEMC.2022.3187017 Google Scholar

9. Weinberg, G. V., "Quantification of combat team survivability with high power RF directed energy weapons," Progress In Electromagnetics Research M, Vol. 102, 1-11, 2021.
doi:10.2528/PIERM21020406 Google Scholar

10. Weinberg, G. V., "Prediction of UAV swarm defeat with high-power radio frequency fields," IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 64, 2157-2162, 2022.
doi:10.1109/TEMC.2022.3193881 Google Scholar

11. Giri, D. V. and F. M. Tesche, "High Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) source considerations," IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, 1028-1031, 2003. Google Scholar

12. Weinberg, G. V., "Performance prediction of directed energy weapons," Progress In Electromagnetics Research M, Vol. 108, 79-88, 2022.
doi:10.2528/PIERM21111201 Google Scholar

13. Torrero, L., P. Mollo, A. Molino, and A. Perotti, "RF imunity testing of an unmanned aerial vehcile platform under strong EM field conditions," 2013 7th European Conference on Antennas and Propogation (EuCAP), 263-267, 2013. Google Scholar

14. Lavau, L. C., M. Suhrke, and P. Knott, "Impact of IEMI pulses on a barometric sensor," 2022 International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility --- EMC Europe, 290-294, 2022.
doi:10.1109/EMCEurope51680.2022.9900930 Google Scholar

15. Kim, S. G., E. Lee, I. P. Hong, and J. G. Yook, "Review of intentional electromagnetic interference on UAV sensor modules and experimental study," Sensors, Vol. 22, No. 6, 2384, 2022.
doi:10.3390/s22062384 Google Scholar

Dr. Graham V. Weinberg

Dr. Mitchell M. Kracman