Allen Control Systems: Innovating Defense in the Drone Era

Important Preface

Allen Control Systems is not a Fello client; however, we have immense respect for the defense technology industry, especially when they are keeping our allies safe. We also understand the implications of defense technology and its importance, and we are proud to cover innovative tech companies in our weekly deep dives.

Introduction: The Modern Military Dilemma

Imagine this scenario: You’re a military commander, and you’ve just allocated millions of dollars to purchase a state-of-the-art tank. This tank, bristling with advanced technology and weaponry, costs around $10 million. It represents not just a substantial financial investment, but also a crucial element in your defence strategy. Now, picture a small, inexpensive drone flying into action, costing only a few hundred dollars. This drone, easily obtainable and deployable, has the potential to disable or even destroy your multi-million dollar tank with a well-placed strike.

(A tank being destroyed by a drone)

This scenario is not just hypothetical. It’s a stark reality in modern warfare, where the disparity between the cost of traditional military hardware and the inexpensive yet effective drone technology poses a significant threat. This cost imbalance highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect valuable military assets from relatively cheap and accessible drone attacks.

The Backstory: Founding Allen Control Systems

Allen Control Systems (ACS) was founded in 2022 by Steven Simoni, Luke Allen, and Mike Wior. Simoni and Allen, both former U.S. Navy nuclear engineers, met during their service where they worked on instrumentation and control systems for Navy nuclear reactors. Their backgrounds include robotics, computer vision, machine learning, electrical engineering, and computer science. They transitioned into the tech startup world, founding successful ventures before establishing ACS to address the emerging threats in drone warfare.

Founders’ Previous Ventures

Before founding ACS, Steven Simoni and Luke Allen co-founded Bbot, a company focused on software and robotics for the restaurant industry. Their solutions streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency, leading to its acquisition by DoorDash in 2022. Mike Wior, on the other hand, co-founded Omnivore, a platform that connected restaurant point-of-sale systems with various third-party applications to improve workflow integration. Omnivore was acquired by Olo in 2022.

What They Do: Cutting-edge Defense Technology

ACS develops cutting-edge counter-drone robotic gun systems. Their main products include:

• Bullfrog: An autonomous machinegun turret designed to neutralize drone threats.

Example: Military Base Defense

The Bullfrog system can be deployed around military bases to provide autonomous, 24/7 defense against drone threats. Equipped with advanced sensors and automated targeting systems, Bullfrog can detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones attempting to gather intelligence or deliver payloads. This ensures the safety of personnel and critical infrastructure without the need for constant human oversight, allowing military forces to focus on their primary missions while maintaining robust perimeter security.

• Javelin Simulator: A virtual reality training simulator.

Example: Military Training Academies

The Javelin Simulator can be used in military training academies to provide soldiers with realistic, immersive training on the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system. Trainees can practice targeting, firing, and reloading in a safe, controlled virtual environment, enhancing their readiness for real-world combat scenarios. The simulator’s portability and ease of use make it an effective tool for continuous training, even in remote locations.

XROV: Underwater Drone Platform

Example: Offshore Oil Rig Inspection

The XROV can be deployed to inspect underwater structures of offshore oil rigs. Its advanced cameras and real-time data processing capabilities allow it to detect and measure defects on complex surfaces, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of critical infrastructure without the need for human divers. The XROV’s ability to operate all day at full power makes it an invaluable tool for maintaining the operational efficiency and safety of offshore facilities.

These technologies are intended to provide advanced defense solutions, helping military personnel navigate and dominate the modern battlefield. ACS focuses on kinetic solutions, precisely targeting drones rather than relying on non-kinetic methods like radio jamming, which drones can evade.

The Bigger Picture: Importance for Allies

The innovation that ACS brings to the table is crucial for modern military strategies, especially for the United States and its allies. The dominance of drone technology by adversaries like China poses significant threats. Chinese company DJI, for instance, commands a substantial share of the global drone market, manufacturing drones at a rapid pace. The ability of ACS to counter these threats with precision-targeting robotic gun systems provides a substantial strategic advantage. This technology ensures that allied forces can effectively neutralize drone threats, maintaining airspace security and operational superiority. It also protects troops on the ground by mitigating the risk posed by increasingly sophisticated and numerous drones used by adversaries.

Future Prospects: Revolutionizing Defense

Looking ahead, the technology developed by ACS could revolutionize not just battlefield strategies but also broader defense mechanisms. Potential future applications might include:

• Enhanced Autonomous Systems: Further advancements in AI and machine learning could lead to even more precise and autonomous defense systems capable of making real-time decisions in complex combat scenarios.

• Civilian and Infrastructure Protection: Similar technology could be adapted for civilian use, protecting critical infrastructure from drone threats, including airports, power plants, and large public events.

• Global Defense Collaborations: As drone threats are a global concern, there might be increased collaborations with international defense partners, leading to shared technology developments and strategies that enhance global security.

• Integration with Other Defense Technologies: The synergy between ACS’s counter-drone systems and other emerging defense technologies, such as cyber warfare tools and satellite surveillance, could create a comprehensive and robust defense network .

Economic Implications: Adapting to New Realities

Economically, the cost disparity between expensive military hardware and relatively cheap drones underscores the necessity for adaptable and cost-effective defense solutions. The U.S. and its allies face significant challenges in competing with the mass production capabilities of countries like China. As China continues to produce drones at a rapid pace, the need for innovative counter-drone technologies becomes even more pressing. This is where companies like Allen Control Systems come into play, providing advanced solutions that help level the playing field and protect valuable military assets from inexpensive yet effective drone threats.

By focusing on precision and innovation, ACS ensures that even as drone technology becomes more widespread and sophisticated, military forces can maintain their strategic advantage and protect their investments.

While this isn’t a company we work with directly, Fello, a tech marketing agency, finds joy in covering these types of companies and doing deep dives. We believe in highlighting innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technology and provide significant value to society.

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By Zachary Ronski.

References

To learn more about ACS, click here.

• Defense News. (2024, May 31). A lighter, high-tech Abrams tank is taking shape. Retrieved from Defense News
• Army Recognition. (2024, January 30). Italy Plans to Modernize Its Tank Fleet with Leopard 2A8 and New MGCS European Tank Project. Retrieved from Army Recognition
• National Interest. (2020, January 30). Meet the M1A2C Abrams: The U.S. Army’s New Tank. Retrieved from The National Interest
• Army Technology. (n.d.). World’s Top 10 Main Battle Tanks: Power, Protection, Mobility. Retrieved from Army Technology
• PitchBook. (2024). Allen Control Systems Company Profile. Retrieved from PitchBook
• Craft.co. (2024). Allen Control Systems Company Profile - Office Locations, Competitors, Revenue, Financials, Employees, Key People, Subsidiaries. Retrieved from Craft.co
• Business Wire. (2023, November 7). Defense Technology Company, Allen Control Systems, Raises $12 Million Seed Capital to Build Counter-Drone Robotic Gun Systems. Retrieved from Business Wire