Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

British prison pioneers war against drones

A Channel Island prison has become the first in the world to use a new system designed to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and other contraband over perimeter walls.

A group of British companies has collaborated to install a comprehensive perimeter protection package at Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey, including the new 'Sky Fence' technology.

It creates a 600m shield around the prison to detect remote-controlled drones then uses a series of ‘disruptors’ – sensors to jam the drone’s computer – to block its frequency and control protocols and divert it back to where it came from.

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

Drones have become a major security problem in Britain’s prisons and are increasingly used to smuggle in drugs, weapons, phones and other valuables.

Les Nicolles has ordered around 20 disruptors on the perimeter fence line and within the jail.

Sky Fence is the creation of British companies Drone Defence and Eclipse Digital Solutions, while steel fencing manufacturer Zaun and Coventry-based PIDs business Harper Chalice have also supplied product installed by the UK’s premier prison perimeters installer Binns Fencing.

Prisoner governor David Matthews said: “This is the first time this technology has been used in any prison anywhere in the world.  I would like to see it adopted in other UK prisons because it has become a significant problem. This is about prevention.”

Nottingham-based company Drone Defence has worked on the idea in the past year. Founder and CEO Richard Gill said: “It disrupts the control network between the flyer and the drone.

“The drone then activates return to home mode and it will then fly back to the position where it had signal with its flyer.

“Someone described it as the final piece in a prison’s security puzzle. I think it could have a significant worldwide impact.”

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2

Eclipse managing director Alan Drinkwater said they had modified existing technology to create Sky Fence.

The new system in Guernsey is part of a £1.7 million security upgrade that also includes new cameras, new fencing and sensors, a new lighting system and new alarms.

A multi-use games area for prisoners has also been set out within the walls.

Les Nicolles is a mixed category prison which holds both men and women, young offenders and adults, and has a capacity of just 139.  It opened in 1989 and its population has fallen to an all-time low in recent years.

It is independent of the mainland prison and justice system and is run by the State of Guernsey.

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
EasyJet inaugurates new Birmingham base

Aerospace

EasyJet inaugurates new Birmingham base

18 March 2024

EasyJet has today inaugurated its newest UK base, at Birmingham Airport, the airline’s ninth UK base and first new base in the UK in more than a decade, creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and in total supporting around 1,200 jobs.

Viasat

Aerospace Space

Viasat's IFC selected by Royal Jordanian Airlines

18 March 2024

Royal Jordanian Airlines and Viasat have announced that the airline will officially make high-speed Wi-Fi a priority to enhance its future passenger experience by selecting Viasat's in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution across multiple fleets.

CAE to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training for Akasa Air

Aerospace

CAE to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training for Akasa Air

18 March 2024

CAE today announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Akasa Air, to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training at CAE’s facilities in India.

UK Future of Flight Action Plan launched

Aerospace Security

UK Future of Flight Action Plan launched

18 March 2024

Flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries could all be a reality by 2030 thanks to the UK Government and industry’s joint Future of Flight Action Plan, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) today.

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT
Flightdeck Films delivers careers videos for L3Harris and Menzies Aviation

Aerospace

Flightdeck Films delivers careers videos for L3Harris and Menzies Aviation

18 March 2024

Flightdeck Films has announced creative partnerships with L3Harris and Menzies Aviation to help them recruit and retain top talent using video.

BA overhauls airport ground equipment at Heathrow

Aerospace

BA overhauls airport ground equipment at Heathrow

18 March 2024

British Airways is embarking on a multimillion-pound investment programme to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of its commitment to reducing emissions both in the air and on the ground.

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT