(KYIV, UKRAINE) – The Ukrainian technology firm ZVOOK has announced the development of a specialised tactical acoustic sensor designed to identify enemy first person view drones during combat operations. This new device known as the ZVOOK NW0 is engineered to detect the specific sound frequencies emitted by unmanned aerial vehicles including those controlled via fiber optic cables which typically evade traditional electronic warfare systems.
According to official statements from the company the sensor utilises artificial intelligence to monitor the acoustic environment continuously throughout the day and night. The system provides a detection radius ranging from 150 to 450 metres and offers a complete 360 degree field of coverage to ensure no blind spots remain during surveillance.
When the artificial intelligence identifies a potential threat the sensor can trigger an audible alarm and simultaneously transmit precise data to a dedicated user interface. This interface consists of an interactive map that displays threats in real time to provide soldiers with immediate situational awareness.
The hardware is built to meet IP67 standards which ensures a high level of protection against dust and water as well as physical impacts. Such durability allows the equipment to remain operational in difficult weather conditions and demanding front line environments. Furthermore the system is designed for longevity as it supports remote firmware updates to improve detection algorithms as enemy tactics evolve.
To maintain operation the sensor requires a stable power source and a connection for data transmission. Depending on the specific requirements of the deployment the device can be integrated using fiber optics or twisted pair cables or wireless methods such as LTE and LoRa radio channels. The energy requirements are modest with the device consuming between 15 and 20 watts. The developers suggest that these sensors are most effective when deployed as a comprehensive network to protect the line of contact or vital logistics routes. For maximum reliability the manufacturer recommends that individual units be positioned at intervals of 400 to 600 metres.
The ZVOOK company has a established history of creating acoustic systems for the Ukrainian defence forces. They are previously recognised for a wider network of microphones designed to track cruise missiles and helicopters as well as fighter jets at various altitudes. That larger system uses curved acoustic mirrors measuring half a metre in diameter to focus sound waves onto sensitive microphones.
While those larger stations can detect a drone at 5 kilometres or a cruise missile at 7 kilometres the new NW0 model focuses on the immediate tactical threat of small drones. Each individual station in the wider network is estimated to cost approximately 20,600 Ukrainian Hryvnia which is equivalent to 500 US Dollars. This low cost allows for mass deployment across the country making the system an affordable alternative to traditional radar which is often vulnerable to detection by the forces of the Russian dictator.
