Detection of Low RCS Unmanned Air Systems Using K-Band Continuous Wave Doppler Radar

Abstract

UASs (Unmanned Air Systems) are universally used in many activities, spanning from leisure-commercial to military applications. Accordingly, as the number of UASs operating in the sky increases, so does the need to detect and identify them, in order to ensure their legitimate use. This paper introduces a continuous wave (CW) Doppler radar implementation that can be used to provide early warning for flying-by small UASs. By applying Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to the returned signal’s Doppler frequency, estimations can be made regarding the presence of aerial bodies inside an Area of Interest (AoI). Achieving reliable detection with a low false alarm rate (FAR) while keeping the size and power demands of the system to minimum was a challenge that was successfully met. The proposed system was extensively tested in outdoor environments; measurement results are presented and parameters such as radar power, antenna gain, and noise are discussed.