Cases

As drone technology proliferates, low-altitude security threats are becoming increasingly complex. Traditional surveillance systems often suffer from delayed response times, significant coverage gaps, and inefficient coordination between devices—making them ill-suited to counter high-speed, low-altitude, multi-target UAV intrusions. This case study examines the deployment of a heavy-duty pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) system that integrates high-precision radar, electro-optical sensors, and jamming modules to enable real-time detection, precise tracking, and rapid neutralisation of drone targets. Field data confirms the system reduces target acquisition time to under two seconds and achieves success rates exceeding 95%, providing a robust and efficient low-altitude security solution.

Industry Challenges

Key challenges in counter-UAV operations include:

1、Insufficient Response Speed: Conventional PTZ systems lack the payload capacity to support simultaneous integration of radar, electro-optical cameras, and jamming equipment, resulting in delayed reactions and missed interception opportunities.

2、Coverage Gaps: Standard PTZ systems feature limited tilt ranges, making it difficult to track drones operating at ultra-low altitudes or performing vertical manoeuvres—leaving critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.

3、Complex System Integration: Many existing solutions rely on fragmented devices with poor interoperability between radar, optical trackers, and jammers. This complicates data fusion and impedes closed-loop response capabilities.

4、Environmental Resilience: Europe’s variable climate—including strong winds, rain, and snow—can challenge the operational stability of standard PTZ systems, affecting long-term reliability.

Solution

The heavy-duty PTZ system addresses these challenges through the following technological advantages:

1、High Payload and Modular Design

Built with heavy-duty servo motors and a reinforced structure, the system supports loads of up to 50 kg, enabling the integration of radar antennas, HD electro-optical cameras, infrared sensors, and directional jammers. Modular interfaces allow for quick swaps and expansions to suit multiple operational scenarios.

2、Precision Control and Rapid Response

• 360° continuous rotation enables unrestricted horizontal scanning without mechanical limits.
• A wide tilt range (-90° to +90°) ensures coverage of targets from ground level to vertical ascent.
• Millisecond-level response times, supported by high-precision encoders and adaptive algorithms, allow target acquisition in ≤2 seconds (as validated by third-party testing).

3、Blind-Spot-Free Monitoring

A dual-bearing structure and dynamic balance compensation ensure stable imaging during high-speed rotation (up to 30°/s) and extreme tilt angles. Combined with intelligent software algorithms, this enables seamless 360° panoramic surveillance.

4、End-to-End System Integration

Standardised protocols and interfaces ensure seamless coordination between radar, electro-optical identification, and jamming modules:

• Radar alert linkage automatically transmits coordinates to the PTZ for rapid targeting.
• Electro-optical tracking uses HD cameras and IR sensors to lock onto targets and relay real-time trajectory data.
• Jamming closure enables directional jammers to accurately suppress frequencies or disrupt GPS signals.

Implementation and Results

1、Deployment Model:

• 1）Five PTZ systems deployed in a critical zone, each integrated with X-band radar, IR thermal cameras, and multi-band jammers.
• 2）A centralised control platform enables coordinated, network-wide defence management.

2、Quantifiable Outcomes (Source: Client Project Report):

• 1）Improved Response Efficiency: Average target acquisition time reduced from 10 seconds to 1.5 seconds.
• 2）Higher Success Rate: UAV neutralisation rate increased from 78% to 96%.
• Enhanced Stability: PTZ positional error remained within 0.05° under strong wind conditions (15 m/s).
• 3）Reduced Integration Costs: Standardised interfaces cut commissioning time by 50% and maintenance costs by 30%.

Conclusion

The heavy-duty PTZ system combines high-performance hardware with intelligent software to deliver a fully automated, all-weather, and high-precision counter-UAV solution. Its advantages extend beyond rapid response and comprehensive coverage—its open architecture supports seamless integration into existing security infrastructures, reducing total cost of ownership.

Looking ahead, this system can be adapted for urban security and critical infrastructure protection applications. For the European market, investing in flexible and reliable PTZ systems represents a strategic imperative for building next-generation low-altitude defence networks.