Over the past few decades, drone technology has evolved rapidly. It has become an important gadget across several industries. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were initially designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target practice. At first, UAVs used to be an essential asset to militaries. Now, these gadgets are being used in commercial, military, as well as recreational use.
These days, UAVs are used for the following purposes:
- Aerial photography
- Precision agriculture
- Area coverage
- Forest fire monitoring
- River monitoring
- Policy surveillance
- Infrastructure inspection
- Smuggling
- Environmental monitoring
- Weather observation
- Product deliveries
- Entertainment
- Drone racing
Unauthorized or hostile drone activities are a considerable security concern. The risks include surveillance and espionage, cyber-attacks, aerial attacks etc. To identify and mitigate such potential threats, a UAV detection radar was invented.
In this blog, we are going to explain what exactly a UAV detection radar is and what are the technology, working principles, and applications of UAV detection radar.
Understanding UAV Detection Radar
We will explain what a UAV detection radar is and how it differs from traditional radar. So, let’s understand the technology of the radar system precisely.
What Is UAV Detection Radar?
In simple words, a UAV detection radar is a type of surveillance system designed to detect, track, and classify drones or UAVs with real-time monitoring. This surveillance system is widely used in military, airport security, law enforcement as well as in infrastructure protection. This radar system is also called Counter-UAV, which is a system that detects, identifies, and neutralizes drones.
How Does It Differ from Traditional Radar?
The major difference between traditional radars and UAV radars is mentioned below:
- Traditional radars are designed to detect large aircraft at longer ranges to determine their speed, direction, and altitude.
- UAV detection radars are designed to detect and track smaller aircraft or drones that fly slowly at lower altitudes.
How UAV Detection Radar Works
Now, let’s understand the technology and mechanism of UAV detection radar.
Radar Signal Transmission & Reflection
Through a narrowband data link, the UAV radar can report moving objects in the air. UAV detection radar systems combine radars and sensor technologies to detect and track drones. It emits electromagnetic waves that bounce off UAVs and return to the radar system with high accuracy.
To determine drone location and movement, the radar system measures time delay, signal strength, and Doppler shift.
Frequency Bands Used in UAV Detection
To identify and track the presence of UAVs, the radar system uses different types of frequency bands.
- L-Band: Offers a good range of accuracy but gets affected by atmospheric conditions.
- S-Band: This frequency band balances range and accuracy.
- X-Band: It offers high resolution and accuracy but gets affected by weather conditions.
- Ka-Band: This frequency band also offers high resolution and accuracy but has a limited range.
Radar Cross-Section (RCS) of Drones
RCS refers to the measure of how easily the radar reflectivity of a drone gets detected by the radar system. Small drones have low RCS, which makes them hard to detect. UAV detection radar uses advanced algorithms and AI-enhanced signal processing systems.
Tracking and Classification
To track and classify UAV movements, the counter-UAV system goes through a process called 3D tracking of UAV movements. It is a process of monitoring and recording the location and orientation of a UAV in three-dimensional space over time. The classification process is powered by artificial intelligence through which the radar system differentiates commercial, military, and rogue drones.
Types of UAV Detection Radar Systems
We have mentioned three major types of UAV radar systems, and these are:
- Active radar systems: They transmit radio waves continuously to detect and track UAVs. For example, Pulse-Doppler radar high-precision tracking.
- Passive radar systems: They utilize the existing radio frequency signals, such as Wi-Fi and GPS, to detect UAVs or drones. This radar system consumes low power comparatively.
- Multi-sensor integrated systems: This system is a combination of radio frequency scanners, acoustic detectors, and optical sensors.
Applications of UAV Detection Radar
UAV detection radars are used for multiple purposes:
Military Defense: For Border security and battlefield surveillance. To detect enemy reconnaissance drones and disrupt them.
Airport & Airspace Protection: To prevent drone incursions that threaten passenger aircraft safety.
Critical Infrastructure Security: To defend power plants, oil refineries, and government infrastructures that are potential drone attack targets.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety: To monitor public events and prevent illegal drone use, security forces use UAV radar detection systems.
Private Sector & Corporate Security: This is for protecting VIP residences, sensitive R&D facilities, and corporate headquarters.
UAV Detection Radar System is Important to Protect Against Threats
UAV detection radar system is critical for security, defence, and airspace management. Only with advanced radar technology real-time detection, tracking, and classification of UAVs are possible. It is extremely important to enhance the detection system technology to defend against the high-tech UAVs.
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