D-Fend to Participate in FAA Research Program
D-Fend Solutions, a leader in radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone detection and takeover technology, has been selected for participation in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program, under Section 383 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
D-Fend Solutions' core C-UAS system, EnforceAir, will undergo initial testing at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY) and potential further evaluation at other airport environments.
EnforceAir is the first RF-cyber based advanced protocol full takeover UAS detection and mitigation system selected for the program. The EnforceAir system design is specifically optimized to empower airports with a surgical counter-drone approach to threat detection and mitigation that allows nearby authorized drones to continue operations with no collateral effect on navigation or communications systems, damage to infrastructure, or excessive burden to human resources. The system provides 360 degree and long-range directional protection and coverage to protect airport facilities and takeoff and landing airspace corridors.
"EnforceAir's engagement in this mission-critical FAA program aligns perfectly with our core mission of leading in providing the most advanced technology to overcome rogue drone threats in the most sensitive environments and airspace, most notably airports, in a controlled manner that enables safe and uninterrupted operations", said Zohar Halachmi, chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions. "We are gratified to be selected for this prestigious and selective program, and we commend the FAA for prioritizing requirements for the safest forms of non-disruptive mitigation technology that allow for airport operational continuity."
D-Fend's engagement with the FAA builds on the company's momentum and ongoing collaboration on deployments with multiple U.S. federal agencies across DoD, DHS, and DoJ, including its recent recommendation by the DoD's Joint Counter Small Unmanned Systems Office.
The Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program enables the FAA to work with major federal departments and agencies to ensure that systems are being developed, evaluated or deployed to detect and/or mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile UAS operations and ensures they do not impact or interfere with safe airport operations.