What can be an Ideal Drone Detection Radar

Suggested specifications 

To effectively detect small drones in urban environments, the radar system must be designed with specific features that address the challenges faced by legacy air defense radars. Below are the preferred specifications for such a radar system:

1. Type of Radar

• • Phased Array Radar: Provides high flexibility, rapid beam steering, and can track multiple targets simultaneously without mechanical movement.

• • Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA): Offers superior resolution and the ability to detect small objects, with high reliability and reduced size.

2. Frequency Band

• • X-Band (8-12 GHz): Ideal for detecting small objects due to its shorter wavelength than the legacy Air Defence Radars, provides higher resolution, better target discrimination and optimal range coverage.

• • Ku-Band (12-18 GHz): Higher frequency band that offers even greater resolution and is highly effective for detecting very small drones, albeit with a reduced range.
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3. Field of View (FOV)

• • 360-Degree Azimuth Coverage: Ensures comprehensive surveillance of the entire area without blind spots.

• • 120- Degree Elevation Coverage: Should cover from -15 degrees (horizontal) to at least 90 degrees (vertical) to detect drones at varying altitudes, including high-altitude targets as well as the low-flying ones, which generally try to sneak in through the dark zones, under the Radar.

4. Range Resolution

• • High Range Resolution: Less than 10 meter to distinguish closely spaced objects and accurately identify small drones.

• • Range Accuracy: Should be less than one degree or better to provide precise location data for detected drones.

5. Detection Range

• • Short to Medium Range: Effective detection range of 4-7 kilometers for small weaponised drones, ensuring coverage over urban areas.

• • Extended Range Capability: Optional mode to detect larger UAVs and drones up to 10 kilometers or more.

6. Clutter Rejection

• • Advanced Signal Processing: Use of algorithms to filter out urban clutter such as buildings, trees, and other obstacles.

• • Adaptive Filtering: Real-time adjustment to minimize false alarms caused by multipath interference and reflections.

7. Doppler Shift Detection

• • High Doppler Sensitivity: Ability to distinguish drones based on their unique Doppler signatures, even in complex environments with moving objects.

• • Speed Range: Capable of detecting slow-moving drones as well as fast, agile ones.

8. System Integration

• • Data Fusion: Integration with other sensors (optical, acoustic) and data sources for enhanced detection and tracking accuracy.

• • Network Capability: Ability to integrate with existing defense and security networks for coordinated response and real-time data sharing.

9. Environmental Resilience

• • All-Weather Operation: Resistant to adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and snow, ensuring reliable performance.

• • Urban Environment Adaptation: Designed to function effectively amidst high levels of electromagnetic interference and urban clutter.

10. Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)

• • Compact and Lightweight: Easy to deploy in various urban locations, including rooftops and mobile units.

• • Low Power Consumption: Efficient power usage to facilitate long-term operations and compatibility with mobile platforms.