UAV-borne X-band radar for MAV collision avoidance

Allistair A. Moses; Matthew J. Rutherford; Michail Kontitsis; Kimon P. Valavanis

doi:10.1117/12.884150

23 May 2011 UAV-borne X-band radar for MAV collision avoidance

Allistair A. Moses, Matthew J. Rutherford, Michail Kontitsis, Kimon P. Valavanis

Proceedings Volume 8045, Unmanned Systems Technology XIII; 80450U (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884150
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Increased use of Miniature (Unmanned) Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) is coincidentally accompanied by a notable lack of sensors suitable for enabling further increases in levels of autonomy and consequently, integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). The majority of available sensors suitable for MAV integration are based on infrared detectors, focal plane arrays, optical and ultrasonic rangefinders, etc. These sensors are generally not able to detect or identify other MAV-sized targets and, when detection is possible, considerable computational power is typically required for successful identification. Furthermore, performance of visual-range optical sensor systems can suffer greatly when operating in the conditions that are typically encountered during search and rescue, surveillance, combat, and most common MAV applications. However, the addition of a miniature radar system can, in consort with other sensors, provide comprehensive target detection and identification capabilities for MAVs. This trend is observed in manned aviation where radar systems are the primary detection and identification sensor system. Within this document a miniature, lightweight X-Band radar system for use on a miniature (710mm rotor diameter) rotorcraft is described. We present analyses of the performance of the system in a realistic scenario with two MAVs. Additionally, an analysis of MAV navigation and collision avoidance behaviors is performed to determine the effect of integrating radar systems into MAV-class vehicles.

Citation Download Citation

Allistair A. Moses, Matthew J. Rutherford, Michail Kontitsis, and Kimon P. Valavanis "UAV-borne X-band radar for MAV collision avoidance", Proc. SPIE 8045, Unmanned Systems Technology XIII, 80450U (23 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884150

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