Bullfrog™ System Showcases Advanced Autonomous Capabilities at Department of Defense Technology Event
Allen Control Systems (ACS) recently demonstrated its Bullfrog™ counter-drone robotic gun system at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024 (TREX 24-2). The event, held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, from August 19-26, provided a platform for emerging defense technologies.
Unique Design and Capabilities
The Bullfrog™ system stands out for its low-cost, low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) design. It integrates advanced software, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) with a standard M240 machine gun. This combination allows the system to autonomously detect, track, identify, and destroy drones within seconds. The Bullfrog™ is designed to address the growing threat of low-cost, resilient drones, which are becoming a significant concern in modern warfare.
During TREX 24-2, the Bullfrog™ system successfully engaged and destroyed multiple drones in rapid succession. This performance highlighted the system’s potential to change battlefield dynamics by providing a reliable and cost-effective countermeasure against drones. “Our resounding success at TREX validates that our counter-drone robotic gun system achieves what has been a near-impossibility until now,” said Steven Simoni, co-founder and CEO of ACS. “The Bullfrog system’s successful performance during the TREX event marks a significant milestone on the path toward deployment.”
Government and Military Interest
The Bullfrog™ system generated considerable interest among government stakeholders, including members of Congress, senior DoD officials, and various military branches. Over 30 VIPs attended the demonstrations, witnessing the system’s ability to consistently defeat drones, even in multi-drone scenarios. This interest suggests a growing demand within the Department of Defense for effective counter-drone solutions.
The need for reliable drone defense is becoming increasingly urgent as drones become more sophisticated and harder to counter with traditional methods. Many modern drones are resistant to jamming and directed energy defenses, making kinetic solutions like the Bullfrog™ a critical component of future defense strategies.
A Cost-Effective Solution
One of the most notable aspects of the Bullfrog™ system is its cost-effectiveness. The cost-per-kill for a drone using the Bullfrog™ is expected to be around $10. This stands in stark contrast to the current practice of using million-dollar missiles to defend against much cheaper drones. This affordability could make the Bullfrog™ a valuable asset for the U.S. military and its allies.
Allen Control Systems was founded by former U.S. Navy nuclear engineers, Steven Simoni and Luke Allen, along with Mike Wior. Their combined expertise in robotics, computer vision, and other advanced technologies has led to the development of the Bullfrog™, which they hope will play a significant role in safeguarding military forces in the future. The Bullfrog™ represents a new approach to drone defense, combining advanced technology with practical, cost-effective solutions.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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