Unmanned aerial vehicle suppression system "Umbrella"
The radiating part of the "Umbrella" system. Graphics "ELIARS"
In modern military conflicts, countermeasures against enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play a special role. Russian industry is actively developing and producing such products.
Recently, another specialized electronic warfare system called “Umbrella” was brought into mass production. This product can be installed on equipment or stationary objects and provides protection against the most dangerous UAVs.
From project to operation
The Umbrella system was created by the Eliars enterprise from Zelenograd, Moscow region. This organization has extensive experience in the development and production of various electronic systems for military and civilian needs.
Recently, ELIARS has also begun developing electronic warfare systems (EW) to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As a result of this work, the PARS "anti-drone gun" was created.
Recently it became known about the development of a similar system, but with different characteristics and purpose. This project was first reported by Izvestia on July 5. With reference to the management of "ELIARS", basic information about the progress of the project, its intermediate results was disclosed, and the main features and characteristics of the promising product were named.
Work on the new project, called “Umbrella,” reportedly began earlier this year. The reason for launching the work was requests from military personnel who participated in the special operation. They pointed to the current threat in the form of UAVs with ammunition release devices and FPV copters, and also talked about the need to develop specialized countermeasures.
PARS anti-drone gun. Graphics "ELIARS"
The Eliars company listened to the requests and within a few months developed a specialized electronic warfare system with the working name "Umbrella". By the beginning of spring, the system was ready for the first tests. In April, the prototype successfully passed new tests in the combat zone, after which its use among the troops began.
Over the past months, developers and military personnel who have used the Umbrella system have accumulated extensive experience in its use. The system received positive reviews, and the Eliars company decided to launch its mass production and begin supplying new products to the troops.
For obvious reasons, details of the current production process are not disclosed. It is unknown when the assembly of new systems began, how soon the finished devices will enter the army, what the pace of production is, and so on. In addition, the development company has not yet demonstrated the new system and its application.
Transportable protection
As part of the Umbrella project, an electronic warfare system was created. It is designed to counter multicopters that can carry ammunition.
The product can be installed on various machines or stationary objects. The system refers to “dome-type” protection. It creates a hemispherical zone around a position in which unauthorized activity by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is excluded.
According to published materials, the Umbrella system is created on a modular basis. It consists of several emitters (the diagrams presented show a combination of three such devices), as well as control and power supplies.
The three-emitter system has a diameter of approximately 960 mm and a height of 460 mm. The total weight of the system is 20 kg.
The emitter is a block on an inclined base with a large radio-transparent casing, inside which is a transmitting antenna. The device operates at frequencies from 0,4 to 5,8 GHz, which allows suppressing signals of all popular models of drones used for reconnaissance or strikes. The declared suppression radius is 500 meters.
The Umbrella system creates interference in the communication channels of the unmanned system. This results in the operator not receiving the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) camera image and telemetry, and commands cannot be sent back. As a result, full use of the drone becomes impossible.
During recent tests, the Umbrella system confirmed its design characteristics and capabilities. None of the UAVs used were able to deliver a simulated strike on the protected object.
Due to its small size and weight, the Umbrella system can be installed on both armored vehicles and automotive vehicles. For its operation, power is supplied from the carrier, and there are no special requirements for the power source.
Under the dome
Today, our country has created many special electronic warfare (EW) systems to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems differ in operating principles and characteristics.
In particular, non-directional products are being developed that create a “dome” of interference over the protected object. Such systems include, for example, “Umbrella” from the company “ELIARS”.
FPV copter in the process of aiming at a target. Photo Telegram / "BOBR"
“Dome” electronic warfare (EW) systems have their own characteristics, which, if used correctly, can give a positive result. The main advantage of such systems is that they create interference in all directions simultaneously. Thanks to this, enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) cannot approach either the system, its carrier, or protected objects. At the same time, protection from air targets does not require additional effort - just turn on the electronic warfare system.
In this regard, "dome" systems such as the "Umbrella" are more convenient than the numerous "anti-drone guns". The latter require monitoring the air situation and precise target designation, and their use requires fairly accurate guidance. At the same time, “Umbrella” and similar systems are not manual and require a carrier, for example, in the form of some kind of machine.
It is reported that the Umbrella suppresses two-way communication channels between the UAV and the operator, which makes the effective use of the drone impossible. Judging by the published information, the new electronic warfare system does not affect satellite navigation radio signals. However, in the case of light copter-bombers or kamikazes, this is not required - they can be rendered useless by simply transmitting communication signals.
It is worth noting that non-directional electronic warfare systems, similar to the new Umbrella, are produced by several domestic organizations and have long been used in combat zones. They are equipped with various types of armored vehicles and stationary objects, such as military locations. In addition, the products are placed on special vehicles operating in dangerous border areas.
Tank T-80BVM with a set of additional protection. On the front part of the turret there are emitters of the "dome" electronic warfare system of the "Volnorez" type - an analogue of "Zont". Photo "Rostec"
All of these products have proven themselves in a variety of conditions and help reduce risks. They significantly reduce the amount of damage to equipment, which allows you to save material resources and personnel, and also contributes to the successful completion of basic tasks.
However, it is worth considering that the widespread use of FPV by the enemydrones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is largely due to the shortage of other types of weapons. In such a situation, electronic warfare (EW) systems installed on equipment and objects become especially important. They not only protect, but also systematically neutralize the enemy’s strike potential.
Promising direction
The special operation to protect Donbass showed that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various classes have great potential. It also demonstrated the need to create effective means of protection against them.
As a result, various electronic warfare (EW) systems have emerged designed to combat UAVs. These systems can be either manual or installed on media. The development process of such systems has become continuous, and the industry regularly introduces new designs.
One of the representatives of this class is the “Umbrella” system. The development of this system began at the beginning of the year, and by now it has been brought to mass production. It is expected that it will soon be fully introduced into the troops. The prototype "Umbrella" performed well in testing, and one can hope that serial products will be no less successful.
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