WASHINGTON \u2014 After successful tests, the Pentagon\u2019s emerging technology research arm finished work on an anti-drone system that can shoot strings of streamers into the propellers of threatening drones, causing them to fall from the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency is looking to transfer the technology to a program of record through various service acquisitions programs, the office announced June 7. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mobile Force Protection program is designed to defeat drone intrusions over military installations and convoys using small unmanned aircraft. Using an X band radar, MFP automatically detects and identifies potential threats, then selects the appropriate interceptor to respond with. The system has a few different small drones it can send out, including rotary and fixed-wing interceptors. The primary interceptor tool is the one that shoots the streamers to gum up the works of other drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The entire process is designed to work without operator intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause we were focusing on protecting mobile assets, the program emphasized solutions with a small footprint in terms of size, weight, and power,\u201d said MFP program manager Gregory Avicola of DARPA\u2019s Tactical Technology Office. \u201cThis also allows for more affordable systems and less operators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dynetics was the primary systems integrator for MFP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DARPA received $12 million in fiscal 2020 and $4.3 million in fiscal 2021 for the program. The agency is not seeking more funding in FY22, signaling the end of the development project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program, which launched four years ago, successfully demonstrated its ability to intercept a drone during recent tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Watch MFP in action below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n