NoctuaNet2 System Architecture
NoctuaNet2 is an integrated counter-UAS system that combines distributed sensing, real-time data fusion, and active interception for a unified operational system. It is designed to autonomously detect, classify, track, and respond to unauthorized drones within a protected airspace, while maintaining safety and reliability constraints. Its architecture separates sensing, decision-making, and actuation layers, enabling flexible deployment and system operations. At its core NoctuaNet2 employs a probabilistic decision engine that evaluates incoming sensor data, maintains target trajectories, and determines when intervention is required based on confidence thresholds and operational constraints. The system supports multiple simultaneous targets and is designed for low-latency operation, ensuring rapid response even against fast intruder drones. Through its modular design and scalable capabilities, NoctuaNet2 can be adapted to different environments, ranging from flexible protection scenarios to large-area distributed deployments.
Ground-Based Multi-Modal Sensing and Detection
The ground-based segment of NoctuaNet2 employs a multi-modal sensing approach to achieve robust and early detection of aerial targets. It combines long-range radar for initial cueing with high-resolution RGB and infrared cameras for classification and identification, as well as event-based vision sensors for high-speed motion tracking. These complementary sensing modalities are fused in real time using GPU-accelerated probabilistic algorithms, such as particle filters, which explicitly model uncertainty and enable stable tracking under noisy or incomplete observations. This allows the system to maintain accurate target estimates even during rapid maneuvers or temporary occlusions. The distributed sensor network provides overlapping coverage and redundancy, reducing blind spots and improving overall reliability. By continuously estimating target trajectories and their associated uncertainties, the system enables early and informed decision-making, forming the basis for timely and effective interception.
Active Interception with Physical Net Capture
The response layer of NoctuaNet2 consists of high-speed autonomous interceptor drones equipped with a specially engineered capture net for safe, non-destructive interception. The interceptor platform is derived from high-performance aerial systems, enabling agile pursuit and precise maneuvering. The capture mechanism uses a carefully optimized net geometry that tolerates alignment errors and maximizes capture probability, even under dynamic conditions. During operation, the system initiates interception based on probabilistic thresholds rather than absolute certainty, allowing for early launch while retaining the ability to abort safely if conditions change. The interception process is continuously updated using real-time tracking data, ensuring closed-loop guidance throughout the engagement. For larger targets, additional safety mechanisms such as force limiting and controlled descent can be integrated to minimize risks and increase safety parameters. This approach enables reliable physical neutralization of intruder drones while preserving evidence and avoiding the risks associated with destructive countermeasures.
