ECA Group has unveiled an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)-Catcher signal intelligence module for its IT180 mini UAS, the company announced on 21 November.
IMSI is a unique ID number contained in a SIM card used to identify the user of a mobile phone network. The IMSI-Catcher is designed to perform electronic intelligence missions, such as the detection and identification of communication systems.
According to the company, IMSI catchers are already used by agencies during ground and airborne vehicle operations in the field, and its integration into a UAS will expand this operational envelope.
The IT180 platform can carry different types of IMSI catchers to conduct operations in multiple contexts depending on mission, country, regulatory and environmental objectives. The IT180's payload capacity allows for a high-definition camera to also be carried, enabling the collection of additional and detailed information, both electronic and visual.
The IT180 UAS can fly up to 50 minutes with a flight range of 30kms.
Francis Duruflé, sales manager of the aerial UAV business at ECA Group said: ‘Complementary to operations already carried out by aircraft, the UAV will enable detection missions to be carried out discreetly in hard-to-access areas with rapid and flexible deployment conditions.’
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