Between 19^th and 22^nd December 2018, London Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport was subject to a sustained drone attack that closed its runways for 33 hours, causing about 1,000 flights to be cancelled or delayed. The airport’s security protocol mandates that the runways are closed if a drone is present.

By the 21^st December, Chess Dynamics had signed contracts and the AUDS counter UAV system was set up and operational at the airport within a few days. The system remains in place as part of the ongoing security solution deployed by London Gatwick Airport.

The AUDS counter-UAV solution is a system that has been specifically developed for use by the military and has been deployed by defence organisations to support major operations in the Middle East and elsewhere. The AUDS system is currently delivered through a partnership with three independent British technology companies, Chess Dynamics, Enterprise Control Systems Ltd (ECS) and Blighter.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport, commented: “Chess Dynamics’ anti-drone technology and ability to move quickly and work closely with the airport’s security teams were vital in allowing Gatwick to reopen without the support of the military after the airport was attacked in December 2018.”

“The anti-drone technology and package of ongoing support provided by Chess Dynamics has also given Gatwick the resilience that a busy international airport needs in order to minimise and mitigate the potential threat from drones.”

Graham Beall, CEO of Chess Dynamics, commented: “Our equipment formed part of the solution that has been deployed by London Gatwick Airport after the sustained drone attack in December 2018, and we continue to work with the airport on an ongoing basis providing both technology and consultancy support. An airport is a complex environment and has a unique set of requirements and as such, the technology deployed is bespoke to the customer’s specific requirements. However, our extensive experience with AUDS in counter-UAV technology in the military environment has given us the credibility and technical capability to support Gatwick.”

For more information on the AUDS counter UAV solution please contact the team on +44(0)1403 249888