Anti-Drone Net FAQ: Selection, Performance, Installation and Ordering

The mesh opening must be smaller than the smallest dimension of the target airframe, so the drone and its propellers are caught instead of passing through. For small quadcopters and FPV drones (DoD Group 1), overhead canopies, corridors and venues use a finer mesh, while side screens and stand-off barriers on storage tanks use a larger mesh. Smaller openings capture smaller drones but add wind load and collect more ice and snow, so the final mesh is a balance confirmed in an engineering review.

Knotless nets have lower weight and wind drag, no knot protrusions and a mesh that stays square, which suits large overhead canopies, transparent screens and standard rolls. Knotted nets have higher node strength and a mesh that does not slip under load, which suits tank side nets, stand-off barriers and nets that are handled often. See knotless and knotted specifications.

Polypropylene (PP) is the lightest and most economical. HDPE suits long outdoor service. Polyester (PES) has low elongation and good UV resistance. Nylon (PA6) has higher elasticity and absorbs more energy, but loses some strength when wet. Stainless or galvanized steel rope nets are chosen for higher energy, fire exposure, cutting risk, salt spray or long design life, and ring net systems for larger, faster UAVs.

High-performance fibers have a very high strength-to-weight ratio, but UHMWPE has a low melting point and both cost several times more than standard fibers. If your specification calls for them, send it to us and we will advise whether a high-performance fiber, a nylon or polyester net, or a steel net is the better fit for the threat and budget.

Tell us the drone type, maximum weight, speed and payload you design against. Kinetic energy is E = ½ · m · v²: a 1 kg FPV at 30 m/s carries about 0.45 kJ, a 5 kg multirotor at 30 m/s about 2.25 kJ, and a 25 kg fixed-wing at 40 m/s about 20 kJ. The energy decides the net, rope sizes, posts and anchors.

A net is designed to intercept and slow the drone at a stand-off distance from the asset and reduce the risk of a direct impact. It does not guarantee interception of every threat and does not provide blast, fragment or fire protection. Payload effects must be addressed by the overall protection design, and the stand-off distance between net and asset is part of every MAISHI layout.

Yes, that is the main reason to add a physical layer. A net needs no power, emits no signal and does not depend on jamming or GNSS disruption, so it keeps working against drones that ignore RF countermeasures, including fiber-optic guided and autonomous types. It complements, not replaces, detection and electronic countermeasures.

Synthetic nets are non-metallic and non-conductive. Metallic nets near radar, antennas and RF equipment are reviewed during design; we keep emitter zones clear or use a synthetic net locally.

Nets are supplied in panels joined with lacing rope, so a damaged section can be cut out and replaced on site. Energy-dissipation rings in steel systems are replaceable after an impact. We recommend keeping spare panels, lacing rope and fittings on site and inspecting after every impact.

Yes, standard synthetic nets are combustible. Flame-retardant grades reduce the risk for venues and indoor use. Where fire exposure is likely, stainless or galvanized steel rope nets are non-combustible.

All MAISHI synthetic yarns are UV-stabilized, and service life depends mainly on local UV exposure, temperature and mechanical loading. Stainless and galvanized steel nets are selected for long design life; the corrosion system is chosen for the site.

Wind, ice and snow loads are design inputs. Larger mesh openings reduce wind load and shed ice more easily; finer mesh catches smaller drones but loads the structure more. Send us the local wind and snow data and we will reflect it in the mesh, rope and post selection.

Typical systems use posts or existing structures, galvanized main and grid cables, and net panels fixed to the cables at regular intervals with hog rings or rope ties. Overhead canopies are built in modular bays with clearance above the asset; storage tanks use a square steel frame at a suitable stand-off distance. We provide drawings, structural input data and installation guidance; foundations are designed by your local structural engineer.

Yes. We supply the complete load path: nets, wire ropes, turnbuckles, shackles, sliding connectors, energy-dissipation rings, hog rings, posts and base plates. Long posts can be specified for local procurement to save freight.

Standard nets: specification and price typically within 24 hours. Engineered systems: preliminary review in 7–10 working days after we receive the threat definition, site dimensions and drawings.

Swatches and multi-specification sample sets are available for qualified projects and tenders, and full-size mock-ups on request. Please share your company name and project so we can prepare the right specifications.

ISO 9001 certificate, technical data sheet per product, drawings and installation instructions, inspection and maintenance checklist, packing list and container loading plan.

Yes. We sign an NDA before any sensitive layout or security information is exchanged. We supply the physical layer to counter-UAS system integrators and contractors, project-based at first and as a regional partnership afterwards.

All projects are subject to export-control and end-use screening, and we may request an end-user statement. MAISHI supplies passive physical protection products only and does not supply detection, jamming or weapon systems.

Our knotless PP, HDPE and nylon nets can also be supplied for drone flight cages, test ranges and indoor enclosures, as finished panels with sewn edge rope or standard rolls.