Scans Framework: Simulation of CUAS Networks and Sensors

Austin Riegsecker, Purdue University

Abstract

Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) security systems have unrealistic performance expectations hyped on marketing and idealistic testing environments. By developing an agent-based model to simulate these systems, an average performance metric can be obtained, thereby providing better representative values of true system performance. Due to high cost, excessive risk, and exponentially large parameter possibilities, it is unrealistic to test a CUAS system for optimal performance in the real world. Agent-based simulation can provide the necessary variability at a low cost point and allow for numerous parametric possibilities to provide actionable output from the CUAS system. This study describes and documents the Simulation of CUAS Networks and Sensors (SCANS) Framework in a novel attempt at developing a flexible modeling framework for CUAS systems based on device parameters. The core of the framework rests on sensor and communication device agents. These sensors, including Acoustic, Radar, Passive Radio Frequency (RF), and Camera, use input parameters, sensor specifications, and UAS specifications to calculate such values as the sound pressure level, received signal strength, and maximum viewable distance. The communication devices employ a nearest-neighbor routing protocol to pass messages from the system which are then logged by a command and control agent. This framework allows for the flexibility of modeling nearly any CUAS system and is designed to be easily adjusted. The framework is capable of reporting true positives, true negatives, and false negatives in terms of UAS detection. For testing purposes, the SCANS Framework was deployed in AnyLogic and models were developed based on existing, published, empirical studies of sensors and detection UAS.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Matson, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Electrical engineering|Political science|Statistics

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