Yes, the Air Force funded research into how peregrine falcons intercept moving targets—but the study did not produce a deployed falcon-inspired drone defense. In 2017, University of Oxford researchers found that the birds’ final approach to a target could be described by proportional navigation, a guidance principle also used in missiles. The finding offered a possible starting point for designing visually guided interceptor drones, not proof that such a system had been built or tested in the field.
What the Air Force-funded study examined
The research was carried out by zoologists at the University of Oxford’s Department of Zoology and initially funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. Its focus was not on training falcons to attack drones. Researchers studied peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) pursuing targets to understand how the birds steer during the final phase of an interception.
The team fitted birds with miniature GPS receivers and onboard video cameras. They recorded attacks on stationary targets, maneuvering dummy targets—including targets towed by a drone—and live prey. The paper reports usable GPS data from 23 flights against stationary targets, involving three birds and 33 passes, and 22 flights against maneuvering targets, involving four birds and 22 passes. Those are experimental observations from a limited study, not a measure of every peregrine’s behavior.
The study, by Caroline H. Brighton, Adrian L. R. Thomas and Graham K. Taylor, was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in December 2017. The research protocol was reviewed by the Air Force Surgeon General’s Human and Animal Research Panel and Oxford’s animal-welfare review board. Read the full paper or its PubMed record.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 【Exquisite Proportion and Detail】—This MQ-9 “Reaper” drone model is built to a 1:72 scale with meticulous attention to detail. Extensive research and comparisons have been conducted to faithfully reproduce its unique paint scheme, striving to recreate the appearance of the MQ-9 (possessing long endurance, medium-altitude reconnaissance capabilities, and precision strike capabilities) to the greatest extent possible.
- 【Interactive Features and Adjustable Parts】- This model aircraft features multiple detachable and movable parts for a more immersive experience. The synthetic aperture radar antenna and missiles on the nose are detachable, and the landing gear can be retracted or lowered. Additionally, the tail propeller can rotate, adding a touch of dynamism to the model.
- 【High-Quality Construction and Enduring Surface】- Constructed from high-quality zinc alloy, the jet model is robust, long-lasting, and exquisitely shaped, capturing the sleek design and advanced engineering of the MQ-9 Reaper. The surface of this model airplane painted with baked lacquer, the model resists fading over time, preserving the vibrant colors and aesthetic appeal of this detailed model.
- [Size and Weight] This model aircraft kit measures 4.33 x 8.66 x 1.18 inches and weighs 0.62 pounds. It boasts a striking appearance, a solid feel, and perfectly replicates the iconic MQ-9 aircraft. Assembly takes only about 2 minutes and is incredibly easy. The package includes the main aircraft and a display stand, ensuring you have everything you need for a complete display.
- 【Customer Support】- We adhere to strict production requirements, control the product quality of model airplanes, and ensure that every customer gets satisfactory high-quality products. We take pride in offering a One-year warranty on this MQ-9 Predator B pre-build airplane model kits, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your purchase, our dedicated customer support team is available resolve any concerns within 24 hours.
How proportional navigation helps an interceptor catch a target
The researchers found that the falcons’ terminal attack trajectories were best modeled by proportional navigation guidance. In plain terms, an interceptor using this principle responds to how quickly the target appears to move across its field of view. Rather than simply pointing at the target’s current position and chasing it, the interceptor turns to establish a path that will meet the target.
This is a model of the birds’ observed flight paths; it does not mean falcons consciously calculate equations or carry missile-like guidance systems. The comparison is about a control principle. The paper also found lower fitted navigation constants for the birds than the roughly 3-to-5 range commonly associated with guided missiles. A lower value means a less aggressive response to changes in the target’s apparent direction. The authors interpreted that difference in light of biological constraints, including lower speed, noisier sensing and longer control delays.
Rank #2
- Revell Model Kit #85-5810, Skill Level 4, Contains 66-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Accurate surface details
- Includes GTD-21 surveillance drone with cart
- Decals with authentic U.S. Air Force markings
- Molded in black and clear. Paint and glue required(not included).
That distinction matters for biomimicry. The research suggests that a useful guidance behavior might be borrowed from a falcon, but it does not show that a drone should copy the bird’s wings, body, eyesight or nervous system—or that missile settings could be transferred unchanged.
Why falcon behavior could inform counter-drone design
A small aircraft that can visually pursue another drone could, in principle, help protect restricted airspace. The Oxford researchers pointed to possible settings such as airports and prisons, where unauthorized drones can pose safety or security problems. Their proposal was a physically intercepting drone—not a jammer, laser, net launcher or conventional missile. Oxford’s Flight Group summary describes the proposed application.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Experience the legendary F-14 Tomcat through a highly detailed model designed for aviation collectors and hobby enthusiasts. The finished model becomes a striking desktop or showcase centerpiece.
- This 3D puzzle is designed for beginner-level assembly enthusiasts, offering an immersive hands-on building experience that helps cultivate patience, concentration, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
- This product is manufactured using high-quality, environmentally friendly plastic and employs an ultra-fine etching process to ensure durability, structural precision, and realistic aircraft details.
- Encourages understanding of aircraft engineering concepts while improving hand-eye coordination and spatial thinking through engaging mechanical assembly.
- Ideal gift for childs, engineers, collectors, model builders, and puzzle lovers for birthdays, Children’s Day, Christmas, or special hobby occasions.
Proportional navigation may be attractive because it offers a relatively direct way to steer toward an intercept without first predicting every detail of a target’s future route. A compact visual system might also be useful when a target’s radio signal is weak or unavailable. Those are engineering possibilities, however; the falcon study did not test a drone interceptor, establish its cost or show that it could defeat hostile aircraft.
What the study did not demonstrate
The paper provides evidence about a guidance strategy, not a complete counter-drone system. A deployable system would still need to detect a target, estimate its position and motion, classify it as unauthorized, maintain a reliable track, obtain authorization to act and manage the risks of an attempted intercept.
Rank #4
![ACA12127 1:35 Academy USMC AH-1Z Cobra 'Shark Mouth' [Model Building KIT]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n+69EWuVL._SL160_.jpg)
- This is a plastic model kit. Assembly and painting is required.
- Paint and glue is NOT included.
- Contains parts to build one of each model.
- No operational interceptor was demonstrated. The study proposed a possible design application; it did not report a fielded Air Force drone-defense system.
- No live falcons were shown to be anti-drone weapons. The birds were studied to learn from their pursuit behavior, not deployed to catch rogue drones.
- The experiments did not establish performance against modern military drones or swarms. Dummy targets and live prey do not replicate every hostile platform, tactic or environment.
- Visual tracking has vulnerabilities. Darkness, fog, rain, smoke, clutter, low contrast, glare and decoys can make a target harder to identify and follow. Multiple targets add further difficulty.
- A physical intercept creates safety risks. A miss, collision or falling debris could endanger people, buildings or friendly aircraft. Any real system would need strong safeguards and clear authorization rules.
- Animal and aircraft capabilities are not interchangeable. A falcon’s flexible body and control are different from the limits imposed by a drone’s motors, battery, airframe and sensors.
In short, the work identified a biological model that could inform one part of an interceptor’s guidance. It did not solve detection, identification, decision-making, airspace coordination, swarm response or the legal and safety questions involved in using force.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Falcons around Air Force runways are a separate story
The Air Force has also used live falcons in bird-control programs at some airfields. These efforts belong to the Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) mission: falcons help disperse birds that could collide with aircraft. They are not the same as the Oxford research into falcon pursuit as a possible model for intercepting drones.
Best Value
- English Instructions included
- Glue and paint not included
- Ready-to-assemble plastic model kit
- Photo-etched parts included
- This product is suitable for ages over 14 only
At Travis Air Force Base, falconry was one part of a broader effort that also included habitat management and physical deterrents. The base reported fewer bird strikes in 2005 than the preceding decade’s monthly average, while cautioning that the reduction could not be credited to falconry alone. The Air Force’s account of the Travis program explains that broader approach. These real-world bird-control programs can make headlines about Air Force falcons sound like anti-drone operations, but their purpose is different.
The accurate takeaway
The Air Force Research Laboratory initially funded a University of Oxford study that tracked peregrine attacks and found their final interception paths consistent with proportional navigation. That insight could inform bio-inspired guidance for small counter-drone aircraft. It is more precise to say the work explored a way to inspire drone defense than to say the Air Force built a falcon-like drone killer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
