Two years ago Cerbair decided to develop an anti-drone system that should include all steps, detection, localization, and neutralization, while most C-UAS rifles are mostly effectors. The company started with its well-established Hydra detection module which in only six weeks was integrated into a rucksack. According to the company, the successful integration process led MBDA, the main European missile manufacturer, to enter Cerbair capital increasing its financial capabilities and powering its R&D effectiveness. While the detection phase was carried out using an omnidirectional antenna, localization needed a directional element, which was developed allowing to locate the threat with greater accuracy, four more months are needed for the development of a jamming module, to be also integrated into the rucksack.

Chimera is aimed at detecting and defeating commercial drones, which represent the major threat both for military and homeland security scenarios, and more specifically Class 1 drones according to the NATO classification. Thus the detection module monitors the two typical frequency bands used by those drones, the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz ones, both in the RF and in the WiFi modes. This is carried out using the omnidirectional antenna which is located over the rucksack; when the system identifies a surge in emissions in those bands a warning is issued and is shown on the Android C2 tablet which is worn by the operator on the chest; the detection range is declared at 1 km, although in optimal conditions it can be greater. The system database allows to identification of the drone based on the frequency and the protocol. Being based on a single omnidirectional antenna, it is impossible to close on the target using the TDOA (Time Difference On Arrival) technique, hence it is now the turn of exploiting the rifle-like directional antenna.

To do so the operator starts scanning the area, the tablet providing a graphic interface that shows when the signal increases; The C2 element features various modes of operation, including target tracking, alerts database, etc. Besides the graphic interface, the operator can also be equipped with a headset emitting a signal whose frequency increases while the antenna closes to the target direction. A compromise had to be made on the antenna directional performance to allow an easy aiming of the system, EDR On-Line understanding that the optimal aiming sector is around 20°; the jamming sector is similar, the signal being generated by the emitting module that is also hosted in the rucksack. Although no data were provided on jamming frequencies, it is obvious that at least the aforementioned bands are being targeted.



The latter also hosts the batteries that power the Chimera; Some Cerbair users selected batteries made by Power-Time Technology,  which is a high-tech company specializing in military power and audio accessories for tactical equipment, such as manpack radios, EOD robots, drones, and C-UAS equipment, etc,  the company located in Shenzhen China, the battery PTO-2590 is of standard use in the military, comparable with the BB-2590/U made by Bren-Tronics. to reduce the logistic footprint. Different options are available, with smaller and bigger batteries, the higher power ones providing a continuous operational time of over 12 hours in detection mode, and 2-3 hours in jamming mode, however, the latter mode is usually used for a few seconds at a time. A solution with two batteries fitted with a hot-swap mode allowing double the operational time is also available. The rucksack weighs around 8 kg without batteries, the latter weight depending on the selected solution.