Russian Engineers Patent New C-UAS System Using Active Kinetic Protection to Intercept Drones at Close Range

Russian engineers have been granted a patent for a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) that employs an active kinetic protection mechanism specifically designed to intercept and destroy incoming drones at close range.

System Architecture

According to the patent description, the system consists of a curved housing fitted with multiple launch tubes oriented in different directions, covering a range of horizontal and vertical angles. Each tube can be loaded with a 12-gauge shotgun cartridge and supports both mechanical and electrical firing modes.

Automated Target Detection and Engagement Logic

At the heart of the system is a stereo (binocular) camera that continuously scans the surrounding airspace and feeds image data to a control unit. The control unit analyzes the imagery and calculates the three-dimensional position of any target drone. Once a drone is detected within engagement range, the system automatically selects the optimal launch tube and fires the corresponding cartridge — entirely without human intervention.

As stated in the patent:

"The stereo camera enables precise target localization, allowing the system to determine which launch tube provides the best firing solution against an approaching drone."

Deployment

The device is primarily designed to be installed on protected assets, with vehicle-mounted platforms as the main use case. It can draw power directly from the host vehicle or operate independently using a built-in battery.

Background and Analysis

The publication of this patent reflects Russia's continued investment in counter-drone technology. Compared to soft-kill approaches such as electronic warfare jamming or laser systems, ammunition-based kinetic solutions carry a lower cost threshold and offer greater resilience against electronic countermeasures, giving them a practical edge in battlefield applications.

Source: BTVT.info

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