High-Speed Drone Detection System AARTOS Enhances Security at Austrian Grand Prix: A Case Study in Protecting Against Illegal Drones

During the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, security teams relied on Aaronia's AARTOS High-Speed Drone Detection System to prevent illegal drone use. This system is crucial for ensuring the safety of everyone involved in large events like this. The AARTOS DDS system, known for being the most powerful on the market, was deployed in a mobile version inside a Mercedes Sprinter to protect the audience, drivers, and crews.

It is important for security officials at large public events to incorporate drone detection and defense into their security plans. The threat of drones, including seemingly harmless ones used for hobbies, should not be overlooked, especially considering the potential for 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 none at all.

During 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 solution would be the preferred option for drone protection during the race weekend. The specialists at Aaronia provide AARTOS DDS as a comprehensive service package that easily fits into the current security setup. The advanced AARTOS X9 version, housed in a specially designed Mercedes Sprinter, can be deployed within minutes and comes equipped with all the tools needed for efficient drone protection.

The AARTOS system is able to track drones in terms of their position, speed, and altitude quickly. It covers a wide range of frequencies to detect any drones using radio signals. The system uses Aaronia's RTSA-Suite PRO software to accurately identify and control drones, ensuring safe landing when needed. Authorized security authorities can access real-time data on the drone's location and the operator through a mobile app to respond effectively.

Stephan Kraschansky, the CEO of Aaronia Austria, mentions that they had to deal with multiple drone sightings near no-fly zones. They had to intervene several times, either by warning the pilots or taking control of the drones to safely land them. Security officials also handled the drone pilots during these incidents.

Safety measures were put in place to protect spectators and drivers from unauthorized drone usage throughout the event. The weekend saw multiple crashes on the race track involving Formula 1 cars, leading to an exhilarating race weekend. George Russell secured the first win of the season for the Mercedes team, finishing in third place with a smile on his face.

During the demonstration, the experts from Aaronia showcased their drone detection system, which was the fastest, most reliable, and efficient. They also achieved a lap time of 7:14.29 in a Mercedes Sprinter, setting a new record for mobile drone detection systems in Spielberg. This lap time was only 6:06.60 slower than the fastest lap of the race, which was driven by Fernando Alonso in an Aston Martin.

To learn more about the factors to keep in mind for drone security as an important aspect of current security systems, check out the electronic document from Sicherheit. Das Fachmagazin.

Zurich Airport has begun testing Rohde & Schwarz security scanners. Sysdig has launched India's first real-time Cloud Security SaaS platform. Netskope has been recognized as a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE. Industrial network security should be future-proofed. transcosmos is the first BPO services company in South Korea to receive PCI DSS v4.0 certification. Radiflow and Garland Technology are collaborating to enhance real-time anomaly detection in OT environments. STMicroelectronics is showcasing their microcontroller innovations and ultra-low power MCUs. They are committed to empowering edge AI innovation and advancing power electronics for aircraft electrification. Their STM32 MCUs support wireless connectivity. ROCKA branded products can be explored at the SMTA Long Island, Michigan, and element14 now carries Murata's UWB and LoRa modules for simplified wireless integration. A new AI method is speeding up predictions of materials' thermal properties.