Adapting Low-Cost Highly-Capable Commercial Drone Airspace Management System to Enable Scalable Deployable Air Force Counter UAS Operations

Lighthouse AvionicsÆ Virtual Control Tower (VCT) is emerging as a leader in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) enabling technology for commercial drones.Ā While the first commercial markets for this technology are in support of autonomous First Responder drone flights, the VCT has the potential to be a powerful counter UAS extender technology within the Air Force and Department of Defense. ĀAs an innovative low-cost scalable solution which provides 10x the air space coverage as the closest competitor for less than 30% of the competitorÆs cost, the Lighthouse system is a natural candidate to provide counter sUAS capability across the Air Force. ĀĀThe solution is easily deployed and can operate at the edge on low-bandwidth cellular networks to support Agile Combat Environments or provide 100% airspace coverage across all of Wright Patterson Air Force Base with only four networked units.Ā For this project, Lighthouse will work closely with the key Airforce Stakeholders who identified the need for this technology within the Air Force.Ā These include the Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC), the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (ASIMSC), and the Air Logistics Centers (ALCs).Ā Lighthouse will develop and conduct a feasibility analysis study with them and other identified stakeholders to evaluate the VCTÆs potential to extend counter UAS operational capabilities within the Air Force.Ā The Air Force faces the escalating challenge of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing small, agile drones that pose security risks. VCT becomes instrumental here. Its multi-camera design offers a panoramic, detailed aerial view, enabling the rapid identification of sUAS even in complex terrains. The integrated communications system ensures that once a threat is identified, real-time data is relayed, and responsive actions are initiated instantly.Ā The feasibility study will work with existing Air Force programs, such as NINJA, to determine where the VCT can enhance operational capabilities.Ā The modular and scalable nature of VCT ensures its adaptability for broader Air Force applications. For instance, in expeditionary bases, where the rapid setup and dismantling of installations is common, VCTÆs easy deploy-ability ensures that counter-sUAS security protocols are established swiftly. Its AI-driven analytics can adapt to new environments quickly, ensuring that the detection and neutralization of sUAS threats are not compromised by new terrains or operational conditions. The project will successfully conclude with the completion of the feasibility analysis and development of an Air Force strategic plan and support for adaptation of the VCT for low-cost highly effective, counter sUAS activities within the Air Force.