Method for Low-Cost Wide-Area Passive Interdiction of Civil Class Airborne Drone Devices

Abstract

The present invention comprises a novel method for passive wide-area interdiction of small remotely controlled or fully autonomous airborne devices, commonly referred to as drones, whether singular vehicles or in swarms, by deploying a low-cost fouling material into the desired protection zone. The deployed fouling material being light-weight, so as to float through and widely disperse within the airspace over the protected zone, then so designed to physically ensnare or attach itself in a manner to degrade the flying capability or other mission capabilities of the unwanted drones passing through or loitering within the protected airspace. One example, but not the only example, of such embodiment might be dispersal of very fine synthetic spider-silk threads having the characteristic of high-strength combined with kilometer-lengths and a relatively short active state life span, after which naturally and relatively quickly dissolving with any remaining residue being absorbed into the environment. The fouling material might be prefabricated or fabricated from base materials real time, perhaps using some form of synthetic extrusion engine. The possible means of deployment range from common fireworks or mortar canisters to tethered balloons to loitering air vehicles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . The dispensing of a fouling substance into the atmosphere for the purpose of degrading and/or nullifying the operational capabilities of intruder drones present within a protected interdiction zone, comprising all manner of dispensing apparatus capable of:
 a. releasing combinations of chemicals and/or other substances into the atmosphere where they may naturally combine to form the desired fouling material.   b. processing chemicals and/or other substances on-the-fly into a desired fouling material then being dispensed by the apparatus into the atmosphere.   c. directly dispensing premanufactured fouling material into the atmosphere from a canister or other means of containment.   
     
     
         2 . The nature and characteristics of the fouling substance of  claim 1  comprising all manner of form and feature deemed appropriate to achieve an optimum float and/or drift time within the protected airspace (the interdiction zone), a high probability of intruder intercept, and an ability to exploit known operational weaknesses of intruder drones operating within the interdiction zone, including elements of:
 a. geometry (for example, string-like, chaff-like or mist-like droplets) 
 b. strength (tensile and/or shear) 
 c. adhesion (stickiness) 
 d. opacity (blurring of optics and/or attenuation of radio frequencies) 
 e. luminosity (ability to illuminate the intruder to friendly detectors) 
 
     
     
         3 . The nature and characteristics of the fouling substance of  claim 1  and  claim 2  comprising materials and features having minimal detrimental effect on the environment.
 a. ingredients and finished product biologically safe to humans, wildlife and foliage 
 b. having a short life span (i.e. self-dissolving or otherwise naturally dispersing) 
 c. resulting in a residue that is not noticeable or visually/materially objectionable