The Mesmer counter-UAS capability has been selected for the final round of ThunderDrone II, a competition advertising drone capabilities to US Special Forces.
Following successful trials in the first two phases of the competition, Mesmer has been selected to participate in the final round, which will be held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in June.
Mesmer exploits the well-defined techniques used by radios to begin communications with a UAS and maintain a radio link. The non-jamming ‘protocol manipulation’ method adapts to the protocol used to control the UAS and allows messages to be inserted, telling it to exit a restricted airspace, return home, or land in a predetermined safe zone.
Australia's EPE is partnered with Department 13, the ASX-listed developer of Mesmer, to distribute, integrate, install, train and support Mesmer in Australia and New Zealand. EPE is in planning stage for the advanced assembly of Mesmer counter-UAS in Queensland.
ThunderDrone II saw more than 450 Unmanned Aerial Systems technologies submitted, with 95 companies invited to present their technology at an event in January.
The Mesmer solution was one of 34 invited to the ThunderDrone II demonstrations, held at Fort Bragg in April, and is one of the final 6 technologies selected for the final phase of the event.
“We are very excited to be selected as a finalist of ThunderDrone II to demonstrate Mesmer's superior capabilities and to network with Government and military officials," Department 13 CEO Jonathan Hunter said. "The D13 team have received overwhelming positive feedback from event organizers, USSOCOM representatives and over 280 government official attendees of both events.
"Trials and Demonstrations represent a key component of D13’s sales and marketing strategy, as these demonstration events of emerging technologies are the predominant method of assessment prior to procurement for government agencies."
ADM first witnessed a demonstration of the technology in Sydney in November 2016.