Low-Altitude Passive Integrated Sensors (LAPIS)

Existing C-UAS architectures primarily rely on radar and electro-optical (EO) sensors that are constrained by line-of-sight, generate high power signatures, and are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. These systems typically require human-in-the-loop operation, increasing cognitive load and delaying response times—especially against swarming or autonomous threats. Near-peer adversaries, including China and Russia, are fielding sUAS equipped with advanced autonomy and sensor fusion, widening the gap between current Army capabilities and emerging operational risks. A scalable, passive, and automated detection layer is urgently needed to protect maneuver forces and critical nodes without compromising mobility or survivability. LAPIS (Low-Altitude Passive Integrated Sensors) directly addresses this capability gap by providing a lightweight, low-size, weight, and power (SWaP), passive sensing system designed for real-time detection, classification, and geolocation of low-altitude threats traveling at variable velocities. LAPIS enables early warning and automated alerting within seconds of threat detection, and can support integration directly with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and Army C2 networks (NGC2, FAAD C2, Maven, and Lattice) to streamline operator response.  LAPIS leverages Picogrid’s modular architecture to integrate Guardian RF’s passive RF sensors and Hoverfly’s Spectre tethered UAS (teUAS) into a unified, low-altitude threat detection system optimized for Army use. Guardian RF provides software-defined, passive RF detection and classification capabilities, while Hoverfly’s Spectre platform offers persistent aerial elevation of sensors. Picogrid’s Legion API fuses these inputs—along with EO/IR and acoustic data—into a common threat picture and delivers automated alerts to Army C2 environments. Aligned with the Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and designed to support the Army Long Range Persistent Surveillance Program, LAPIS offers a high-impact, low-risk path to expanding the Army’s counter-sUAS capabilities. It reduces the sensor-to-decision latency, minimizes cognitive load on operators, and is purpose-built for mobile operations across multi-domain battlespaces.  Picogrid’s Legion software has been validated in 80+ fielded deployments, with proven ability to integrate and automate workflows for a wide range of sensors. Guardian RF’s detection technology has been used in live operations across U.S. and partner missions, while Hoverfly’s teUAS is widely fielded across the DoD. LAPIS builds on these mature components to deliver a scalable, rapidly deployable capability purpose-built for the Army’s C-UAS mission needs.