As the use of drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), grows across industries, the potential for misuse and threats is also increasing, particularly in sensitive areas such as airports, prisons, and critical infrastructure. To address these risks, the new CWA 18150:2024 presents a standardized test methodology that enables a unified approach to detecting, tracking, and identifying (DTI) drones, providing essential guidelines for law enforcement agencies and industries tasked with protecting lower airspace.
CWA 18150:2024 ‘Unmanned aircraft systems – Counter UAS – Testing methodology’ was developed within the framework of the COURAGEOUS project. It presents a standardized test methodology for counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems.
The Growing Need for Standardization in C-UAS
With the increasing accessibility of drone technology, both intentional and unintentional misuse of UAS has escalated globally. From criminal smuggling operations in prisons to unauthorized flights over airports, drones are becoming a significant concern. Despite the growing threat, the response from authorities and industries remains fragmented, with inconsistent incident reporting and varying approaches to countering UAS.
CWA 18150:2024 aims to bridge this gap by establishing a standardized testing and evaluation process for C-UAS systems. Developed under the European Union’s Internal Security Fund Police, this document provides an integral methodology to assess the performance of detection, tracking, and identification solutions, fostering better preparedness and response to UAS threats.
Key Features of CWA 18150:2024
The document outlines a series of scenarios, each representing common real-world use cases, such as:
- Airport and border security: where UAS incursions can disrupt operations or pose a direct threat.
- Critical infrastructure protection: including nuclear power plants and government buildings.
- Public event security: where large crowds make drone threats particularly hazardous.
For each scenario, the document defines operational needs and functional performance requirements that a C-UAS system must meet. By incorporating these scenarios, the methodology ensures that end-users, such as law enforcement and security personnel, can select systems that meet their specific needs, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
A Comprehensive Testing Framework
CWA 18150:2024 introduces a comprehensive testing framework that covers various environmental conditions, drone types, and performance metrics. It emphasizes the detection, tracking, and identification of drones rather than focusing on the neutralization or disabling of the UAS. By using standard field test scenarios, C-UAS systems can be evaluated based on their ability to perform in realistic environments, allowing for both qualitative and quantitative comparisons between different systems.
Testing takes into account key factors, such as:
- Detection range: The distance at which a drone can be detected by the system.
- Tracking accuracy: The ability of the system to continuously monitor the drone’s position.
- Identification capability: The system’s ability to determine the make, model, and payload of the drone.
Benefits for Stakeholders
For C-UAS industry players, this standardized approach offers clear guidelines on operational needs, helping drive innovation and better align product capabilities with market demands. For end-users, it enables better procurement decisions by providing a reliable means of assessing system performance under varied operational scenarios. Additionally, policymakers benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of C-UAS capabilities, allowing for more informed regulatory decisions and improved coordination across jurisdictions.
Towards a Safer Airspace
As drones continue to become more prevalent in both civilian and criminal contexts, a standardized approach to C-UAS systems is critical for ensuring public safety. CWA 18150:2024 provides an essential framework for assessing the effectiveness of C-UAS solutions, fostering a more coordinated response to drone threats across Europe.
By creating this standardized methodology, CEN demonstrated its commitment to supporting the development of secure, effective technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of C-UAS innovation.
