In “None Line of SIght” (N-LOS) environments such as heavily urban areas, large solid structures can cause “radar shadows” which are essentially dead zones that are not always detected by traditional passive radar installations.
To mitigate this problem, Roark have utilised on device FPGA’s combined with programmable metasurfaces (PMS) to offer a periscope style device that is able to detect and track drones even when they are in N-LOS environments including in high rise areas.
System Design
The Roark Urban Environment Drone Detection is installed in two individual but interconnected component parts.
The first element is the PMS periscope with onboard FPGA as pictured above.
The second element is the transmitting and receiving horn antenna operating at 3.35GHz carrier signal with a 30MHz bandwidth and 5W power.
The carrier signal s modulated in frequency-modulated continuous waves and normally illuminated onto the PMS. 64 scattering beams with a direction interval of 7.5° and dwell time of 30 μs is generated by the PMS with pre-coded biasing sequences, to cover a 60° × 60° (−30° to 30° in both azimuth- and elevation-planes) tetragonal cone region. Reflected waves coming from the target are then radiated back to the PMS and received by the receiving horn antenna. Received signals are then demodulated into digital signals for further processing. The amplitude comparison algorithm is utilized in our system for the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation. The baseband sampling rate is 80 MHz with a delay of 4 μs. A two-dimensional FFT is utilized in the signal processing, in which a 2048-point FFT is conducted for the range estimation while a 512-point FFT is conducted for the speed estimation.
This data can then be fed in to our Plexus system and overlaid on to other data flows including the standard drone detection, WAMI and HSI. The output provides the location of the drone, it’s height, speed and trajectory. The AI processing within Plexus enhances further classification by manufacturer, model and potential payload.
Deployment
To enjoy the full benefits of the urban detection system the units should be deployed at height although they can be ground based. The transmitting unit must be placed within 1.5M of the PMS unit and must be directly facing.
Purchasing
If you wish to purchase the urban drone detection device you can do so via card using the button below. If you require multiple units or invoicing terms please contact us.
The standard cost for both units combined is £5,400 ex VAT.