AARTOS DDS System: Ensuring Drone Security at the Austrian Grand Prix 2024 with High-Speed Detection

During the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024 in Spielberg, security teams used the AARTOS DDS system by Aaronia to detect and prevent the use of illegal drones. This system, known for its high-speed drone detection capabilities, was deployed in a mobile version inside a Mercedes Sprinter to prioritize the safety of the audience, drivers, and crews at the event. Protecting against drone threats has become crucial at large gatherings, and the AARTOS system played a key role in maintaining security during the Grand Prix weekend.

It is important for security officials at large public events to incorporate drone detection and defense into their security plans. The threat from drones, including hobby drones, should not be overlooked, as they have the potential to cause harm or be used in targeted attacks. Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge in the field of drone detection and defense, leading to the use of inadequate solutions or no solutions at all.

At the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024, the security officials were already familiar with AARTOS DDS due to its successful deployment at Airpower 2022. It was evident that Aaronia AG's solution would be the preferred option for drone protection during the race weekend. The experts at Aaronia provide AARTOS DDS as a comprehensive service package that can easily be integrated into the existing security setup. The advanced AARTOS X9 model, housed in a customized Mercedes Sprinter, can be quickly deployed and contains all the essential components for efficient drone protection.

The AARTOS system is able to track drones in terms of their location, speed, and altitude quickly. It scans the entire range of radio frequencies to detect any drones using radio signals. The system can provide real-time information on the drone and its operator, thanks to Aaronia's RTSA-Suite PRO software. This software can identify most drones on the market, take control of them if needed, and safely land them. Authorized security authorities can access all this data through a mobile app, allowing them to respond promptly to the drone's activities.

Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of Aaronia Austria, stated that they encountered many drone sightings near no-fly zones and had to intervene multiple times. Most of the time, a simple warning was sufficient to address the issue, but in some instances, they had to take control of the drones to safely land them. Security officials also handled the drone pilots during these incidents.

Security measures were in place to protect both spectators and drivers from unauthorized drone activity throughout the event. The weekend featured multiple crashes involving Formula 1 cars on the track, leading to an exhilarating race weekend. George Russell of the Mercedes team achieved their first victory of the season, leaving everyone with a smile.

The experts at Aaronia showcased a drone detection system that is not only fast, reliable, and efficient but also broke a record. They set a lap time of 7:14.29 in a Mercedes Sprinter, making them the record holders for mobile drone detection systems in Spielberg. Their lap time was only 6:06.60 behind the fastest lap of the race, which was set by Fernando Alonso in an Aston Martin.

To learn more about factors to keep in mind when it comes to safeguarding drones as a crucial component of contemporary security systems, check out the e-paper from Sicherheit. Das Fachmagazin.

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