A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint development of a dual-use multifunctional drone solution was signed by the Cypriot company SignalGeneriX Ltd and the French Aerix Systems, within the framework of the Cyprus-France Innovation & Cooperation Forum.
The signing took place at the residence of the Ambassador of France in Cyprus, with the cooperation laying the foundations for a self-financed program of joint development, prototyping and demonstration of new generation unmanned aerial systems.
According to the update, Aerix Systems is developing the AXS-S1 platform, i.e. the drone/interceptor itself, while SignalGeneriX provides the SGX EDGE-AI technology, which is the platform's central processing and artificial intelligence system.
How it works
The system has two dual pneumatic net launchers with CO₂. According to its technical characteristics, the platform is designed to detect, classify, track and intercept autonomous enemy drones.
A central element of the system is the processing of data on the drone itself, without the need for direct dependence on external infrastructure. The SGX EDGE-AI computer is based on the extremely small, but powerful NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX computer and has a processing power of 100 TOPS (100 trillion mathematical operations per second) and simultaneously processes three image streams: 110° FHD wide-angle electro-optical camera, – 10° 4K electro-optical camera – 45° 1MPx thermal camera.
This triple array of sensors allows the system to acquire a target, then monitor it accurately and also operate in low visibility conditions, such as night, smoke or dust.
The AXS-S1 SPIDER-AI features patented omnidirectional propulsion, which allows it to maintain full stop control even at high speeds or strong winds. The platform can reach 200 kilometers per hour, operate with winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, brake in 2.5 seconds and perform turns with a radius of one meter.
To neutralize targets, the system carries two pneumatic net launchers. Each launcher deploys a catching net of at least 12 square meters, allowing for up to two engagements per mission. The launchers are reloadable in the field, while their activation is done by the artificial intelligence system, when the entrapment of the target is confirmed.
The platform can be used either individually or in a group or flock, while supporting growth from air, land or sea. The preparation time refers to one minute, which makes it suitable for rapid reaction scenarios.
Potential application areas include airports and aviation facilities, stadiums and venues for large events, critical infrastructure, military installations, borders, security perimeters, and tactical operations. Particular emphasis is placed on the protection of runways, energy and communication facilities, government premises, military bases and high-security areas.
