FlightHorizon DEFENDER
The Problem
Security teams operating in congested airspace need a reliable way to distinguish friendly aircraft from unknown aircraft. Many counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) tools focus on detection alone, but do not fully address the problem of identifying which aircraft are known, which are unknown, and which may represent a threat. FlightHorizon DEFENDER is designed to close that gap while helping maintain safe operations for authorized uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
The Solution
FlightHorizon DEFENDER is a dual-use counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) platform for airspace monitoring, identification, and alerting, designed for rapid deployment in the field. Built for portability, the system is compact enough to fit in a backpack and can be set up quickly by a single operator. It uses FlightHorizon aircraft tracking technology for multi-sensor detection, identification, track correlation, trajectory prediction, and threat alerting. It supports inputs such as ground-based radars, ADS-B in, Remote ID transceivers, and UAS telemetry, and can be deployed in fixed or portable configurations.
Multi-Sensor Airspace Monitoring
Tracks aircraft and monitors airspace in real time using multiple sensor and aircraft data inputs, including ground-based radars, ADS-B In, Remote ID transceivers, and UAS telemetry.
Track Correlation
Uses track correlation to help determine which aircraft are known and which are unknown, helping operators focus attention on the aircraft that require investigation
Trajectory Prediction
Provides aircraft trajectory prediction to support earlier warning of potential threats to protected assets and people on the ground.
Proximity Barriers and Alerts
Supports adjustable proximity barriers around critical infrastructure and provides audible and visual alerts to help operators pinpoint and track threats in cluttered environments.
Logging & Reporting
Continuous track logging with built-in dashboards and CSV exports
Selected Project
FlightHorizon DEFENDER was demonstrated at the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s Counter-UAS Training Center at Camp Gruber near Braggs, Oklahoma, as the first featured system at the site. Using a laptop and a small portable radar, DEFENDER was able to detect, track, and issue warnings on unknown drones entering the airspace and approaching specific locations.
Ideal Applications
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Defense and Security Sites- Supports airspace monitoring and threat identification for defense sites that need to distinguish friendly aircraft from unknown aircraft while maintaining safe operations for authorized UAS.
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Critical Infrastructure Protection- Supports protection of fixed and mobile materiel assets by providing advanced warning, automated monitoring, and rapid information for command-and-control decisions.
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Fixed, Mobile, and Event-Based Security- Can be deployed as a fixed or mobile system for emerging threats, special events, or integration into an existing security or deterrence system.
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Civil and Commercial Security Environments- Applicable to airports, public buildings, stadiums, schools, utilities and power facilities, prisons, national parks, and other sites requiring heightened UAS surveillance.
How Deployment Works
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Portable Deployment – Designed for rapid field deployment in a compact configuration that can be transported easily and set up quickly by a single operator
- Fixed Installation – Also supports permanent deployment at bases, critical infrastructure sites, and other locations that require continuous airspace monitoring and threat alerting.
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Technology Insertion Approach – Can augment existing sensor infrastructure rather than requiring a fully new architecture, helping organizations build from portable deployments up to infrastructure-grade systems.