Northumberland based startup, OpenWorks Engineering has just introduced to the world a bazooka-style weapon to take down UAVs. It’s the latest in a wave of technology designed to combat an anticipated surge in rogue drone behaviour.
See Also: ‘Police eagles set to take down drones‘
Looking like something off the set of Mad Max, the Skywall 100 fires a shell into the air that contains a net and parachute designed to ensnare the devilish drone in the air. Rather cleverly it also promises to bring the drone safely back to earth without damaging it.
See it in action in the video below:
The Skywall 100 weighs 10kg and sits on the user’s shoulder whilst they use the holographic scope and intelligence system to lock on and take out their target. It has a range of up to 100m and fires almost silently – so the intended target has no idea they’re about to be netted.
Chris Down, Managing Director at OpenWorks Engineerings, states “OpenWorks Engineering believes that security enforcement authorities need a cost-effective and proportionate way of protecting the public and high-profile individuals and we wanted to put a system on the market that offered just that.”
Looking to fly responsibly?
If you fancy indulging your childhood dream of becoming a pilot and are willing to stay on the right side of the law – that means you can’t use it to scare German Chancellors or take down downhill skiers, I’m afraid- they’re great for any ability and will soon have you flying high!