The drone, a threat to superyachts?
Drones are now so widespread that it is expected to reach 12 million flying objects by 2020. Increasingly powerful, they also have greater autonomy, greater range and greater payload capacity. Not to mention a more affordable price. A "spread" synonymous with insecurity and threat for Martec Marine - a specialist in innovative products to improve the safety, well-being and performance of superyachts and commercial vessels. The English company has therefore launched a technological system to combat this problem.
"The big yachting community is facing a growing threat from drones to the privacy, safety and security on board their superyachts. The terrorist use of drones deploying explosives and toxic gas attacks is well documented. The ability of a drone to deliver an explosive charge or even payloads such as nerve gas on board a superyacht is a harsh reality. The intrusion of paparazzi using drones approaching superyachts is already a recognized and growing problem. Thus, yachts in port, at anchor or in coastal transits are potential targets, and are unable to know if/when they will be attacked, let alone be able to defend themselves against the threat" explains the company's managers.
Fighting drones to preserve your safety and privacy
The D-Fence is a UAV detection and neutralization system for superyachts. Simply install a box on your boat that detects and identifies commercial flying UAVs within a 20 km perimeter. The D-Fence also provides GPS positioning of the drone, as well as the pilot's speed and heading. Depending on its trajectory and the possible danger it represents, an alarm (configurable) will be triggered according to the level of threat.
When a hazard is identified, the system creates an "electronic exclusion zone" of 500 m + around the yacht. If the UAV approaches this exclusion zone, its command/video signal will be blocked and the safety mode "triggered", forcing it to land or return to its operator.
"Drone technology offers incredible opportunities in the luxury yacht sector, but as always, the "bad actors" will seek to use the technology for nefarious purposes. The development of D-FENCE is a major step forward in helping to mitigate such threats and protect luxury yachts and their valued customers." comments Martek CEO Paul Luen.
