Ensuring Safety at Speed: Aaronia’s AARTOS Drone Detection System Enhances Security at Austrian Grand Prix

During the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024 in Spielberg, security teams prioritized the safety of attendees, drivers, and crew by utilizing the AARTOS DDS system to detect illegal drones. This high-speed drone detection system, considered the most powerful on the market, was deployed in a mobile version within a Mercedes Sprinter to safeguard against potential threats.

It is important for security officials at major public events to include drone detection and defense in their security plans. Drones, including recreational ones, can pose a threat and should not be ignored, especially when it comes to targeted attacks. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of knowledge in the field of drone detection and defense, leading to the use of ineffective solutions or none 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 implementation at Airpower 2022. It was evident that Aaronia AG's drone protection solution would be preferred for the race weekend. Aaronia's experts provide AARTOS DDS as a comprehensive service package that can easily be integrated into the current security setup. The advanced AARTOS X9 version, housed in a specially designed 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. It uses advanced technology to quickly detect drone activities by scanning different frequencies across the spectrum. This system provides real-time information on the drone's position and the operator controlling it. Aaronia's RTSA-Suite PRO software is essential for this process as it can identify and control most commercially available drones, ensuring they can be safely landed if needed. Authorized security authorities can access this data through a mobile app, allowing them to know the current whereabouts of the drone and operator in real time and respond accordingly.

Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of Aaronia Austria, explained that they had observed many drones flying near no-fly zones and had to intervene multiple times. They usually just warned the pilots about their actions, but in some instances, they had to take over control of the drones to safely land them and prevent any potential risks. Security officials also assisted in handling the drone pilots during these incidents.

To protect both spectators and drivers, measures were taken to prevent unauthorized drone use throughout the event. The weekend was filled with crashes on the racetrack involving Formula 1 cars, leading to an exhilarating race weekend. George Russell brought home the first win of the season for the Mercedes team, ending the weekend on a high note.

The specialists at Aaronia showcased a drone detection system that is fast, reliable, and efficient, setting their own record in the process. Their lap time of 7:14.29 in the Mercedes Sprinter earned them the title of holding the fastest lap for mobile drone detection systems in Spielberg. Their time was only 6:06.60 behind the fastest lap of the race, which was achieved by Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin.

To learn more about the factors to take into account for drone security as an important aspect of contemporary security systems, check out the e-paper from Security. The professional magazine.

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