FEBRUARY | TECH
Watch your
airspace
Words: James Morgan
Airspace security is becoming
a thing for outdoor events. Its
already a thing for prisons.
How to stop illicit drone
traffic is firmly on the agenda
for this summers outdoor
events. This is especially
relevant for restricted access
sites where ground security
is very tough and illegal
substances are very difficult
to get in to the festival sight.
However, drones – whether
at night or in the day – can
be used to thwart carefully
planned security protocols.
But there is a way with anti-
drone technology.
The technology is not just
military grade anymore.
Budgets systems exists to
thwart delivery drones. UK
made Aeroscope provides
portable detection units
for festival use. The unit
52
intercepts the signal between
the drone and the remote
controller. The software
can then decode this data
to discern telemetry data
that includes the drone and
drone controllers position.
But the system is only a
drone detection system. It
is not designed to intercept
drones, take control of them,
land them or have any other
control over them.
Some events organisers
may want a more robust
system that is multi-
functional. The Israeli-
made Skylock system is
pretty much one of the best
available in Europe. Using a
combination of both radio and
radar frequencies the system
can detect drones up to three
kilometres away.
The system tracks the
drone and can then literally
hack its operating system via
its radio frequency. Security
operatives can land the drone
and confiscate the device
and its cargo. If an organiser
really wants to go the whole
hog, Skylock has developed
the laser burner.
The operator has the ability
to destroy the drone using
the systems high powered,
accurate laser beam that
activates the burner system,
effectively destroying the
drone within a matter of
seconds at range of up to
800m.
A monthly look at the newest
products and services for the
live events industry
New year growth
Protec European Events has expanded its premises to facilitate its
growth. Still strategically located next to the National Exhibition Centre
and Birmingham International Airport, the company has more than
doubled its storage area to 63,000 ft2(5850 m2). Alongside the new
space to store their growing inventory and expanding staging and scenic
department, Protec will be hiring more personnel. Already on board
is Jason Strange, who has decades of global experience in the events
industry including eight years with Protec in Dubai.
productiontec.co.uk
Golden touch Taking the…
Legend of the live events industry Peefence has introduced its
Harvey Goldsmith has recruited product to the international
a team of some of the most market after success in the UK.
experienced events professionals Peefence is billed as not being a
to launch a new type of agency. replacement to exiting solutions
The team includes Mark but an additional alternative
Bustard as managing director, to keeping pathways clean
who moves from his role as head and avoiding problems with
of fan engagement at CSM Sport neighbours and guests - all while
& Entertainment. creating a little smile by means
Joining Harvey and Mark is
of graphic slogans. Last year
a team of world-class event alone, millions of people used the
experts: Grant Campbell as product, which is a relief.
creative director; Jim Baggott as peefence.myshopify.com
production director; Luke Carr as
project director and Tim Spears as
technical director.
nvisibleagency.com