Security and defence research at DLR

AR glasses perspective
Aircraft component (Eurofighter Airbrake) with virtual operator guidance and superimposed load distribution at maximum stress.
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SARah (Satellite-based Radar Reconnaissance System)
SARah is a satellite-based radar reconnaissance system operated by the German Armed Forces. This constellation of three satellites replaces the SAR-Lupe constellation. Since 2007, Germany has possessed international-level capabilities in global satellite-based radar reconnaissance. DLR's German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen is responsible for the operation of German satellites used for military purposes.
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OHB

HEDELA – Helicopter Deck Landing Assistance
Helicopter operations in the maritime environment involve the development and evaluation of a future-oriented assistance system for planning approach trajectories, extending to landing on platforms or moving ships.
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DLR focuses on research and technology development in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, as well as civil security and defence research. The results of the work in these core areas are utilised by the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) and the German Armed Forces, along with other authorities involved in security tasks and industry.

Current geopolitical developments necessitate securing, maintaining, and further expanding our long-standing key competencies, analysis and evaluation capabilities. This enables us to provide technologies and applications tailored to the needs of public stakeholders.

By integrating our expertise in aeronautics and space with our competencies in energy, transport and digitalisation, we can fully harness the potential for security and defence research at DLR. However, achieving this requires rethinking security and defence research in collaboration with our partners in industry, politics and research. This also includes implementing measures to jointly protect our knowledge and technologies.

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Next-generation air defence

Analysing and assessing future fighter aircraft designs.

Current DLR security research projects (selection)

October 13, 2020

Determining the position of orbital objects

Determining the actual, precise position and orbital data of active satellites and space debris is necessary in order to issue collision warnings or recommendations for evasive manoeuvres - a first step towards minimising the risk posed by pieces of debris. DLR researchers are working on the development, qualification and operationalisation of pulsed laser sources for localisation.

OTTER

Demonstrating the reconnaissance capabilities of small satellites

Improving maritime situational awareness is an important international security topic. OTTER will pick up signals from cooperative vessels and take optical images of the transmitter source. These data will be compared with each other using ground-based methods. The mission is intended to demonstrate the strength of small satellites in rapid-response and cost-effective realisation of reconnaissance capabilities.

LaBot

Laser ground station Trauen

The facility is used to carry out tests on laser communications using satellites under real operating conditions. In the future, the focus will be on remote operation. A high-precision mount precisely tracks a reflector telescope on the known satellite orbits. The station is part of a national network of optical ground stations coordinated by DLR's Responsive Space Cluster Competence Centre.

HAP alpha

High Altitude Platform

Authorities and organisations with security tasks can be effectively supported through the combination of optical sensor technologies and innovative unmanned aerial systems. Instead of a video image, the MACS-nano camera generates and processes high-resolution aerial images and transmits them to the command centre. There, they are automatically merged into a large-scale situational picture. The images are analysed using AI-based live mapping technology.

CUSTODIAN

Drone detection and defence

This project integrates various DLR technologies into a multi-sensor system for detection and tracking as well as a drone defence system. Possible countermeasures include the disruption and tampering of navigation signals or physical measures to bring down or capture the intruding drone. The combination of these measures will also be demonstrated in a civilian environment.

HUMAN

Helicopter operations for maritime emergency response

This project focuses on the development and evaluation of helicopter assistance systems together with the German Federal Police. The aim is to increase pilots' situational awareness and reduce their workload. The systems are intended for use in maritime emergency preparedness and surveillance. The goals: To increase the safety of infrastructures and the operation of helicopters at sea.

ECHOLOG

Real-time detection of hazardous substances

This project is developing methods and technologies for the real-time detection and localisation of hazardous substances in the air and on the ground. The focus is on airborne warfare agents and hazardous substances as well as semi-volatile warfare agents on marching routes. UAV and UGV systems are used for C/B detection with deployment in robotic or semi-autonomous missions. This allows the troops to be warned and alerted immediately.

QumA

Quantum sensor technologies in maritime reconnaissance

Submarines are among the most important military resources. One of their biggest advantages is that they remain undetected, giving them a tactical advantage. Technologies associated with the quantum revolution could pose new challenges for their construction and operation in the future. The aim of QumA is to present reconnaissance methods, compare them with conventional methods and suggest defence options.

Contact

Andreas Schütz

Head of Corporate Communications, Spokesperson
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Corporate Communications
Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln