IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🚀 The Sky Sphere by Diehl Defence uses the CICADA eMissile to neutralize drones with minimal collateral damage.
  • 🔧 The system comes in two versions: a non-lethal configuration for capturing drones and a lethal version with a fragmentation warhead.
  • 🤖 Featuring advanced technologies, the CICADA reaches speeds of up to 124 mph and operates over a distance of 3.1 miles.
  • 🌍 With its modular design, the system offers tailored solutions for infrastructure protection and public safety.

In today’s world, safeguarding against drones has become an imperative necessity. With the rise of aerial technologies, the threat posed by these devices to public and military security has become a major concern. In response to this growing challenge, Diehl Defence unveiled its latest system, the Sky Sphere, at the Enforce Tac exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany. This system employs the CICADA eMissile to neutralize small drones while minimizing collateral damage. This development represents a significant leap forward in aerial defense, combining technological innovation and operational effectiveness.

Key Features of the CICADA eMissile

The CICADA eMissile stands out for its futuristic design and impressive capabilities. Featuring a distinctive pyramidal shape, it is equipped with four delta wings that fold along its fuselage, measuring approximately 27.6 inches long and 11.8 inches in diameter. This configuration allows the missile to effectively target small, low-speed drones weighing less than 1,322 pounds.

The Sky Sphere system is designed to operate in various environments, whether on battlefields or in civilian zones. This flexibility is made possible through its two configurations: a non-lethal version and a lethal one. The non-lethal version employs a net to capture drones mid-air, preventing them from causing damage, which is ideal for environments where civilian safety is paramount.

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Configurations and Uses of the Sky Sphere

The Sky Sphere is engineered to provide adaptable protection. Its non-lethal version is particularly useful in civilian environments, such as sports stadiums. The net used captures drones without explosion or shrapnel, thus minimizing risks to the public.

Conversely, the lethal version of the CICADA eMissile is equipped with a fragmentation warhead. Although non-reusable, it can destroy a drone or other targets within a 32.8-foot diameter sphere. This capability is crucial in situations where rapid and effective neutralization is necessary.

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Embedded Technology and Performance

The CICADA relies on advanced technology to ensure its effectiveness. When not in use, it is stored in a container/launcher. Upon detecting a potential threat via radar, the missile is launched to intercept the target. An integrated radar sensor at the front ensures an accurate approach to the target.

The missile is propelled by a high-speed rotor, enabling it to reach a speed of approximately 124 mph. Its flight autonomy can extend up to five minutes, covering a maximum distance of 3.1 miles, which corresponds to the radar detection range for small drones. Thanks to its human portability, the CICADA can be easily deployed in restricted areas.

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Adaptability and Specific Needs

The CICADA eMissile can be tailored to meet the specific needs of clients. It can be equipped with additional features such as flight planning, terrain-following, and obstacle avoidance. These characteristics are essential, especially in densely populated urban areas.

This modularity makes the Sky Sphere a valuable tool for various applications. Whether protecting critical infrastructure or securing public events, this system offers customized solutions. Its development underscores Diehl Defence’s commitment to innovating in the field of aerial defense.

As technologies continue to evolve, how will the Sky Sphere and the CICADA eMissile shape the future of aerial security, and what new innovations might emerge to address the growing threats posed by drones?

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Hina Dinoo is a Toronto-based journalist at kore.am, reporting on culture, social change, tech, and the evolving relationship between communities and innovation. With a degree from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, she brings clarity to complexity. Her work explores how societal systems — cultural, technological, and economic — shape the modern Asian American experience. Contact: [email protected]

6 Comments
  1. Wow, this system sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie! 🚀 How effective is it in real-world scenarios?

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