Research Aerial Defense In Unmanned Systems
Faculty
Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour
Founder & Director
Assistant Professor of Cyber Operations
ssadeghp@citadel.edu
Resources
1. Parrot ANAFI AI
- Camera: 48 MP with 4K HDR video (lossless zoom)
- Connectivity: 4G LTE module for BVLOS missions
- GNSS: Multi-band GPS with RTK support
- Key Features: Open-source SDK, onboard AI with real-time processing
- Use Case: AI-assisted surveillance, GPS spoofing resilience tests
2. Autel EVO Nano+
- Camera: 50 MP with RYYB sensor and PDAF + CDAF autofocus
- Flight Time: Up to 28 minutes
- Weight: <250g (ideal for indoor flight and regulatory exemptions)
- Key Features: Advanced obstacle avoidance, dual-band GNSS
- Use Case: Lightweight aerial reconnaissance and GPS spoofing demos
3. X4 Autonomy Developer Kit
- Flight Controller: Pixhawk 4 Mini (PX4 Firmware)
- Sensors: GPS, IMU, barometer, magnetometer, optical flow
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, telemetry, MAVLink compatible
- Key Features: Fully programmable, supports onboard scripting & HITL simulation
- Use Case: Ghost injection attacks, MAVLink-based intrusion research
4. PX4 Development Kit – X500 v2
- Frame: Carbon-fiber quadrotor (500mm class)
- Flight Controller: Pixhawk 6C (PX4 Firmware)
- Payload: Customizable (supports companion computers like Jetson Nano)
- Power System: 6S LiPo with 40+ minute endurance
- Use Case: Swarm simulation, sensor manipulation attacks
Research with Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour
- Simulating Ghost-Injection Attacks using PX4 Autopilot Systems
Author: Kirin Chaplin
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - SDR-Based GPS Spoofing Attacks on Commercial Drones
Author: Aidan Lenz
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Leveraging Selenium to Develop FactCheckBot: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation with Automated Fact-Checking
Author: Jesus Garcia
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Modeling AI Traffic Through GNS3
Authors: Jacob Bogle, Ryan Lutz
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Detecting GPS Spoofing in Drones: Fusion Model & Transformers
Authors: Jesus Garcia, Ethan Hong, Lev Peschykhin, Collin Quinn
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Simulating Complex GPS Spoofing Attacks for Enhanced Drone Security
Authors: Matthew Haas, Joshua Wooding, David Rodriguez
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Securing AI-Driven Drones: Detecting GPU Data Leakage through Reinforcement Learning
Author: Eric Moore
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Testing the Impact of GPS Spoofing on Drone Flight Stability
Author: Kyle Samida
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Investigating the Security Vulnerabilities of Drone Systems through Ghost Injection Attacks
Authors: Kirin Chaplin, Chase Loggins
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Swarm Computing for Coordinated Drone Attacks: Control, Orchestration, and Defense Strategies
Author: Wendy Jacumin
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - The Use of Small Drones in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
Author: Kseniia Horai
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour - Modeling AI Traffic through GNS3
Author: Jacob Bogle, Ryan Lutz
Advisor: Dr. Shadi Sadeghpour