Countering UAVs with electronic warfare for dummies.
Previously, we wrote about how to detect drones. Now we will very briefly and superficially talk about the principles of countering them with electronic warfare. First of all, this text is about FPV suppression.
The essence of the operation of electronic warfare equipment is to emit an interference signal at the operating frequencies of the drone’s control and data transmission channels.
This is done so that the drone loses contact with the remote control (does not collapse in the air, does not turn into cosmic dust, does not drop its charge or fly off to destroy the enemy), but simply becomes uncontrollable by the operator.
We remind you that only and always the RECEIVER is suppressed!
In order to correctly use electronic warfare systems, you need to know and constantly study enemy UAVs operating in your direction. (In classical electronic warfare this is called assessment of the radio-electronic situation).
To do this, in addition to using drone detectors, it is necessary to establish horizontal connections with electronic warfare/electronic warfare equipment and organize a study of the radio-electronic content of trophies
(with maximum care, after clearing them)
You must have at least a rough understanding of the frequency ranges used by different types of UAVs in order to competently use electronic warfare equipment.
Further, understand that any electronic warfare is not a panacea. No electronic warfare can provide a 100% guarantee of protection. It only increases your chances (like, for example, a bulletproof vest).
Is there electronic warfare that suppresses everything? We answer – there is, but it is the size of a KamAZ. Since in order to meet the requirements for the width of the suppression range and energy, the dimensions will be exactly the size of a good truck.
Let us formulate the principles that should be followed when choosing electronic warfare equipment.
- Electronic warfare must support the frequencies at which the drone’s control operates.
For example:
if the drone flies on ELRS 755 MHz, then electronic warfare equipment with an operating range of 720-1050 will suit us.
A drone operating at frequencies outside the range of electronic warfare equipment will not be affected by it.
The enemy, faced with the effectiveness of electronic warfare, is forced to constantly change frequency ranges. For example, in 2022-2023, FPV used standard frequencies from the range 850-925 MHz, then in the second half the range was expanded to 750-1060.
Currently, there are not isolated cases of control at the 433 MHz frequency, as well as the use of the 415-640 MHz range.
You need to constantly look for information about the current situation in various sources (but do not forget to treat it critically).
It is important not to confuse the frequencies of the video channel and the frequencies of the control channel.
- Power.
You need to focus on the “density of interference”.
It is considered. You can roughly estimate it like this: divide the declared power of electronic warfare by the declared range. There must be no less
1 W/MHz (to ensure a safe zone of at least 100 meters).
For example:
Band 700-1000, power 300W. Density: 300 / (1000-700) = 1 W/MHz. This is the minimum required to protect equipment from FPV.
(Of course, this is a very rough calculation, it does not take into account a lot of factors, but we are writing for dummies)
- Number of blocks (antennas) You need to pay attention to the number of antennas, which is equal to the number of jammers used.
The reality is that one typical module can cover a band of no more than 100 MHz.
Accordingly, for the 700-1000 band there will be 3 modules and 3 antennas.
If the antenna covers such a band, this is often a sign of deception in the performance characteristics. - Antenna quality. Antennas have their own characteristics (directional patterns, gain, frequency range…).
- Continuous operation time.
Here it is worth dwelling not only on the battery capacity, but also on the heat dissipation capabilities. Electronic warfare equipment gets very hot during operation, and overheating disables them. - Operating voltage.
Electronic warfare equipment is designed for a certain voltage. For example, lowering the power supply by 1 volt (from 28 to 27) can reduce the radius of the suppression zone by 2 times.
What we have listed are the basics.
Remember, a correctly configured FPV drone, if the signal from the remote control is lost (under the influence of electronic warfare), will continue to fly along the same trajectory.
Therefore, moving even under the cover of electronic warfare is fundamentally important.
User manual
Four-band “jammer” of FPV drones “Pokrov GN-4-10”
Photo 1
Features:
Frequency ranges (in some configurations activated by buttons):
1-700-800 MHz,
2-800-900 MHz,
3-900-1050 MHz
4-400-500 MHz
HF transmitter radiation power 10W per channel
Power supply – 12/24V DC. current, 4A
Power connectors: cigarette lighter (auto), crocodiles (armor), XT60 (infantry)
Power cable length 5 meters.
The case is made with IP67 protection, which prevents moisture and dust from getting inside. The jammer allows you to create protection against FPV even with shifted frequencies within a radius of 150-300
meters.
Completeness:
four-band jammer, four antennas (each for its own range), cigarette lighter adapter, crocodile adapter, spare fuse, clamps, instructions.
Precautionary measures
Attention!!! Never turn on the jammer without
antennas!!! This may lead to its failure!!! Do not cover the surface
hulls!!!! The body is a radiator,
If you need to provide camouflage, then do it this way:
which must be cooled!!!
so that there is good ventilation!!!
Beginning of work
1. Unpack and make sure there is no debris in the antenna connectors.
2. Install each antenna in its place, using color coding and frequency labels. 3. Installation recommendations
To ensure maximum coverage, it is recommended to install on the very top of a vehicle or armored vehicle,
