Drones are frequently used in war. They are widely used because they are easy to destroy. Alan Erik Kasuk says that drones in war are like consumables. He adds that the drone pilot is even more important than the drone itself.
Kasuk's thesis included a system that uses software-defined radio. This system helps locate radio transmitters. He tested the system both with a car and a drone. The system worked, but it is not yet ready for use.
Kasuk's system uses radio signals. It helps determine where the signal is coming from. The system uses two antennas. When the signal reaches the antennas at different times, it is possible to calculate the signal's origin.
Kasuk attached this device to a drone. The drone moved to different locations and collected data. This data showed where the drone controller was located.
First, Kasuk tested the device with a car. He tried to locate the drone controller while driving. Later, he tested it with a drone. Although the system found the controller approximately, it is not yet precise.
Kasuk says the system still needs work. For example, drone movement and temperature must be taken into account. He is not sure if the system will be usable in the future. Although the system is cheap and simple, it has many shortcomings.
Kasuk's work was done out of personal interest. Student projects provide new ideas for the state and companies. Kasuk says that students are a good resource. The system was supervised by Reelika Suviste.