Security

The trend of using small drones to execute a wide variety of tasks has increased over the last years. Similar to any other technology, this particular technology creates mixed feelings with regard to how it is ultimately used. The detection of unwanted drones places heavy demands on sensor systems.

Radar systems in the millimeter wave range are ideal for surveillance tasks in the immediate environment, particularly when visibility is poor. In comparison to the optical and IR spectrum, millimeter waves have good penetration characteristics in the presence of fog, smoke or dust. Moreover, radars are active sensors that operate independently of external lighting and the time of day. Their large bandwidths allow high, distance-independent resolution, which not only facilitates the detection and tracking of moving objects but also their classification. Hence, the systems are well suited for the tracking of air drones: the skyward alignment of the sensor and the associated reduction in disturbing clutter also facilitates the detection of smaller unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These include the multicopters, ranging from bi/tricopters with a very low load capacity and quad/hexacopters to octocopters with a payload of 10 kg and more. The growing popularity of these aircraft, which can also be purchased by private individuals, causes growing problems in air traffic and entails considerable risk potential as utilization for criminal or terrorist purposes cannot be excluded.

From a radar perspective, the small drones can be characterized with regard to their radar backscatter cross section (RCS). The smallest nano UAS have an RCS of less than 0.01 m². These, however, do not pose a great threat. Drones with an RCS from 0.01 m² or 0.1 m² upwards (based on a reference frequency of 10 GHz) – these are known as micro or mini UAS – are more relevant are easier to detect with radar. A high-precision analysis of the Doppler spectrum also allows a distinction to be made with regard to the number of rotors and the rotor type thus facilitating the determination of the drone class.

In test measurements using mini and micro UAS (quad and hexacopter), the MHS department investigated the capabilities of the existing millimeter wave radars (Multi Channel Radar for Perimeter Surveillance) and SSRS (Scanning Surveillance Radar System) in terms of their ability to detect and track small drones. Both sensors use the FMCW principle (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) with a medium frequency of 94 GHz and an output power of 100 mW. A radar bandwidth of up to 1 GHz allows a range resolution of 15 cm. The system was designed with a view to achieving the highest possible levels of mobility and flexibility. This applies in particular for the low power requirements; the 12-volt connection in a car is sufficient to operate the system. Figure 2 shows the mechanically constrained four-channel MuRPS system, where the angle offset in azimuth and elevation is determined using the monopulse technique. The front end has dimensions of 200 x 180 x 230 mm³ and weighs approx. 3 kg. The SSRS is a rotating sensor which scans with a small aperture angle of 1. 8° in azimuth. Offset in elevation is not possible at the present time. The front end of the radar, including an optical camera, is shown in Figure 3. The dimensions are 265 x 265 x 100 mm³ and the weight approx. 4.5 kg.

The sensors, which were originally designed as active protection systems or for military camp protection, were only modified slightly for the new measurement task. The evaluation of the data revealed that the systems are ideally suitable for the detection and precise location of several drones of both classes (micro and mini UAS) at close range. In addition, the SSRS system offers live tracking for up to four UAS, as the corresponding software algorithms and the required interfaces already exist. Figure 1 shows an SSRS measurement: the simultaneous live tracking of three multicopters in a measurement range of 50 to 150 m together with the measured target parameters.

The good results reveal that the further development of the sensors for the purpose of detecting small drones is very much worthwhile. Improvement potential does exist, particularly in the area of signal processing, e.g. localization and classification of objects. An increase of the output power (to a realistic value of 1 W) can also significantly extend the coverage area of the radar systems. Finally, elevation resolution for the SSRS system is an essential requirement.