Peregrine Interceptors
Problem statement
The rapid spread of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has created an urgent defense challenge. These drones are inexpensive, widely accessible, and capable of carrying hazardous payloads or conducting coordinated swarm attacks that threaten both military and civilian security. In contrast, existing counter-drone systems often rely on missiles, directed-energy weapons, or electronic jamming platforms that cost orders of magnitude more than the threats they target. For example, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shahed-136 class drones have been estimated at $20,000-$40,000 each, while interceptor missiles such as the Patriot PAC-3 cost around $3-4 million per shot (CSIS, 2023). This mismatch creates an unsustainable defense posture, where neutralizing a single low-cost drone can drain resources far faster than adversaries expend them. To address this imbalance, there is a clear need for an interceptor that is not only effective but also affordable and highly manufacturable. A system designed for simple fabrication, rapid prototyping, and scalable production would allow defense forces to deploy interceptors in large numbers, ensuring they can counter current and future threats without prohibitive expense. By emphasizing cost-effectiveness, scalability, and practicality, such a solution offers a sustainable response to an asymmetric problem.
Team members
Aiden Brion
Brett Hauser – communicator
Daniel Mitchell – accountant
Gabriel Bodoh – facilitator
Gabriel Franchi – admin
Client
Jason Guldan
Sandia National Laboratories