The US Army has concluded a contract worth up to $99 million to purchase the Moth handheld device, which is capable of monitoring drone signals and other radio communications on the battlefield, and determining the approximate direction of their source.
The contract extends until 2031, and includes the purchase of devices, their field deployment, modernization, and maintenance throughout its duration, according to an announcement issued by the US Department of War.
The device, which is a frequency spectrum analyzer, is produced by the American company Hiveside Industries, headquartered in Marina del Rey, California. According to the Defense Blog website, the company won the contract after the army put the competition online, and 99 companies applied.
“Moth” works as a pocket-sized wireless detector for soldiers, and it can pick up signals in the range between 5 MHz and 6 GHz, allowing it to detect most drone control signals, portable radios, and other communications equipment.
The device weighs less than half a kilogram with the battery, and is approximately the size of a large smartphone, allowing soldiers to attach it to an equipment vest or carry it inside a bag.
Its function is not limited to alerting you to the presence of a signal, as a built-in feature allows it to determine the approximate direction of its source. It also includes a GPS system and a small screen, and vibrates to alert the user when a signal is detected.
The device is designed to withstand rain, dust and rough handling, and is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from minus 10 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius.
The price of one unit is about $4,950 through the retailer Lumineer, which is considered a low cost by the standards of military technology. This cost allows the devices to be distributed widely, rather than restricting expensive detection equipment to specialists.
According to the Soldier Systems Daily website, which specializes in military equipment, “Moth” was designed primarily for soldiers trained in electronic warfare, but the simplicity of its use allows almost any member of the unit to spot a nearby drone or detect a radio signal, without the need for specialized training.
