DJI has discontinued production of its drone-detecting system, AersoScope, as reported by TheVerge.
The product page for the AeroScope now has a pop-up that reads, "The AeroScope is no longer in production. For the latest in DJI technology, please view our product recommendations below."
Closing out the notification will still allow you to view the whole product page of the device, and there is still an order form for DJI dealers at the bottom.
A New Version In the Works?
The company hasn't released a formal announcement regarding the discontinuation of the drone-detecting system. It is still not clear whether the AeroScope will lose functionality or if the platform's going away forever.
Rumor has it that DJI is working on a second version of the receiver, according to UAV Hire.
The Potential Reasons Behind the Discontinuation of AeroScope
Former VP of policy at DJI tweeted that there are probably two reasons behind the company's decision to discontinue the AeroScope. He cited that it didn't make sense to support the feature built to assist US security interests when it is being attacked by US security agencies.
It could also be the upcoming standard that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement, which is the Remote ID. The Remote ID will be used to detect and track most drones operating in US airspace, which will provide them with information about the identity, location, altitude, take-off location, and control location of the drone.
I don't work there anymore, but probably two reasons:
— Brendan Schulman (@dronelaws) March 4, 2023
1. It doesn't make sense to continue supporting a feature that was created to assist US security interests when being constantly attacked by US security agencies.
2. FAA Remote ID is being implemented.https://t.co/qOXXGMxzvj
Also, starting on September 16th, 2023, most US-based drone operators will only be able to fly aircraft with built-in remote broadcast capabilities or a retrofitted remote ID broadcast module.
Also Read: DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro: Should You Get the New Cheaper Drone?
The AeroScope Technology
The technology is a comprehensive drone detection platform that can track and identify drones in real-time via receiver signals broadcasted by newer DJI drones. Users are provided with information like flight status, path, and pilot location from drones up to 30 miles away.
Initially, the system was intended for use by law enforcement and government agencies to monitor drones flying in potentially dangerous areas and track down their pilots. However, the technology became concerning amid the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The drone-detecting system has been accused of helping Russians target and attack Ukrainian drone pilots.
In 2022, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov blamed the China-based company for helping Russia kill the Ukrainians. Russian soldiers allegedly used AeroScope receivers to find and attack Ukrainian drone operators with aerial strikes.
The signals broadcasted by DJI drones are not encrypted, allowing other receivers to pick them up. As a response to the accusation, DJI stopped shipments to both Russia and Ukraine and discontinued its portable version of AeroScope system a few months after that.
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