Project FALKE
Fähigkeit des Abfangens von in gesperrte Lufträume eindringenden Kleinfluggeräten durch zivile Einsatzmittel
Consortium Coordinator/Grant Recipient
Helmut Schmidt University, University of the German Armed Forces, Hamburg
Project Scope
€3,111,891.51 (of which 65.2% is funded by the BMDV)
Project Duration
11/2019 – 01/2023
Other Project Partners
- Federal Police Headquarters, Potsdam
- Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Cologne
- DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, Langen
- EuroAvionics GmbH, Pforzheim
- Flughafen Hamburg GmbH
- Frequentis Comsoft, Karlsruhe
- Hensoldt Sensors GmbH, Taufkirchen
Project Description
Unmanned aerial systems have great potential to alleviate pressure on traditional traffic flows and make our daily lives easier. However, this is only possible if all safety requirements are met. Especially in the complex environment of airports, it is essential to be able to react quickly and avert dangers. Therefore, the overarching project goal was to develop a comprehensive technical and organizational concept for countering illegally operated drones. Taking into account all areas of jurisdiction and responsibility, this project was intended to provide automated and standardized concepts—with clearly defined processes and interfaces—covering everything from the detection of a small drone to the automated deployment of an interceptor drone. The solution was also intended to serve as a blueprint for other airports.
https://www.bmv.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/LF/mehr-sicherheit-flugverkehr.html
Results
As part of the FALKE project, airport processes were analyzed and improved, data interfaces and protocols were defined, and an incident management system was implemented to interconnect the relevant subsystems and system partners at the airport. In addition, Helmut Schmidt University developed an interception drone for the automated interception and removal of unauthorized drones.
The digital press kit for the final presentation can be found here:
https://www.hsu-hh.de/presse/pressemappe-projekt-falke
FALKE – Personnel, Know-How Transfer, and Industrialization
Following the completion of the publicly funded FALKE project, a cooperation agreement was signed between the newly founded company Argus-Interception and Helmut Schmidt University, the University of the German Armed Forces in Hamburg, in which a transfer of personnel and expertise was agreed upon. This was followed by the industrialization of the prototype system.
https://argus-interception.com
Hamburg RF Sensor Network
Under the auspices of the Bundeswehr’s Center for Digitalization and Technology Research and as part of the “Digital Sensor-2-Cloud Campus Platform” project funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU, HSU/UniBw H has succeeded in bringing together various technology platforms aimed at reducing drone hazards in a single research project. T-Systems onsite and HSU/UniBw H are collaborating with the Hamburg Police on a joint research project that utilizes an RF sensor system from T-Systems. The RF sensor system detects drones based on their characteristic radio signals and protocols. By combining multiple sensors, the position of both the drone and the pilot can be precisely determined. Particularly in urban environments, at airports, or near critical infrastructure, the system offers advantages where radar or optical methods reach their limits. Since it does not transmit any signals of its own, the system remains inconspicuous and resistant to countermeasures. In the future, as part of the joint research project, the data collected will be enriched with publicly available sources to create a drone threat index, enabling emergency responders, for example, to plan necessary protective measures early and efficiently. Another cooperation partner is the Berlin Police.
Detection of Drones Controlled via Cellular Networks
The threats posed by unmanned aerial systems are diverse. Drones controlled via cellular networks pose a particular challenge. As part of the “Digital Sensor-2-Cloud Campus Platform” project, funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU, Telekom Deutschland GmbH deployed a 5G standalone campus network using this technology on the campus of Helmut Schmidt University.
The software suite from ipoque GmbH serves as a platform for anomaly detection. Together, we are exploring how cellular networks can be used to detect and counter unauthorized drones (Network-as-a-Sensor/Actuator).
Dual-Use Applications in the NaREsys Project
Widely distributed and interconnected energy storage systems can make a significant contribution to strengthening the resilience of national and international energy systems. In the NaREsys project, the Chair of Electrical Measurement Technology is responsible for new, innovative dual-use applications that are made possible in the first place by a distributed storage and communication system.
Letzte Änderung: 6. October 2026