Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article examines the potential application of adhesive aerosol media as a promising method for countering FPV drones by degrading the optical channels of their guidance systems. The relevance of this study is driven by the widespread use of FPV drones in modern combat operations and the high dependence of their effectiveness on the stable operation of optical sensors, specifically small-aperture video cameras. The objective of the study is to analyze the physical and mathematical prerequisites for the impact of adhesive aerosol media on the functional performance of FPV drone optical systems through local obscuration, luminous flux scattering, and the formation of defects on the camera lens surface, as well as the feasibility of employing such media for FPV drone countermeasures. The paper examines the deposition process of fine aerosol particles onto the optical surface, which is determined by adhesion phenomena and depends on aerosol concentration, airflow velocity, the adhesion coefficient of particles to the lens material, and the effective area of the optical surface where particle accumulation occurs. The probability of fine aerosol particles hitting and adhering to the camera surface is described using probability theory, specifically the Poisson distribution, which allows for an assessment of the statistical nature of particle deposition. The impact of the aerosol medium on the transmission of luminous flux through the optical channel is analyzed in accordance with the Beer–Lambert–Bouguer law, which describes integral radiation attenuation due to absorption and scattering. Special attention is paid to the modeling of local optical defects caused by the non-uniform accumulation of adhesive particles, leading to image distortion, reduced contrast, and the loss of precise visual guidance capabilities. The results obtained indicate the potential expediency of using adhesive aerosol media as an element of a comprehensive FPV drone countermeasure system, particularly in combination with other counter-UAS (C-UAS) assets. The proposed approach can be utilized for further experimental research and the development of practical recommendations for reducing the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicle optical channels in combat environments.
Source: Military Technical Collection
Institution: Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7168354533