Acoustic Detection System
Detection
Array of sensitive microphones that detect and localize drones by their propeller and motor noise signatures. Passive system with zero electromagnetic emissions.
How It Works
Multiple microphones capture sound from approaching drones. Software uses ML to identify drone motor/propeller signatures and distinguish them from ambient noise. Triangulation determines direction and approximate range.
Technical Specifications
range
100m-1 km (environment dependent)
cost
$10,000-$100,000
deployment Time
30 min - 2 hours
crew Required
1-2 operators
weight
5-50 kg
power Requirement
Battery or solar
Advantages
- + Completely passive — no emissions
- + Cannot be detected by adversary
- + Works against all drones that make noise
- + Low cost compared to radar
- + Detects fiber-optic and autonomous drones
- + Can be networked for wider coverage
Disadvantages
- − Very short range compared to radar
- − Degraded by ambient noise (wind, traffic, combat)
- − Cannot determine altitude accurately
- − False positives from vehicles, aircraft
- − Limited effectiveness in combat conditions
- − Cannot classify drone type precisely
Tactical Deployment Tips
- ▸ Deploy in quiet areas away from generators and vehicles
- ▸ Combine with radar for comprehensive detection
- ▸ Best for defending fixed positions at night
- ▸ Use as tripwire sensor for early warning
Limitations & Vulnerabilities
- ⚠ Useless in heavy combat noise
- ⚠ Range too short for fast-moving targets
- ⚠ Cannot provide firing solution for kinetic systems
- ⚠ Gliding drones with motors off are undetectable
Drones It Defeats
Drone types ranked by how well this system defeats them — tap any drone for details
Heavy-Lift FPV BomberHighLarge Loitering MunitionHighHeavy-Lift Cargo / Resupply UAVHighTethered Surveillance DroneHighCommercial COTS QuadcopterMediumMilitary Reconnaissance QuadcopterMediumFiber-Optic Guided FPVMediumMALE / HALE Strategic UAVMediumSmall Loitering MunitionMediumAI-Autonomous Strike DroneMediumVTOL Fixed-Wing HybridMediumJet-Powered UCAVMediumCBRN / Hazmat DroneMediumFPV Kamikaze DroneLowTactical Fixed-Wing UAVLowCoordinated Drone SwarmLowNaval USV / UUVLowMini ISR Fixed-WingLowDecoy / Electronic Warfare DroneLowMicro / Nano DroneNoneHigh-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)None
ⓘ No public sources attached — values are doctrinal generalizations, not intelligence assessments.