Cambridge innovators have worked with government in the UK to develop a new way to detect and track small, slow moving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) using innovative radar technology. Plextek Consulting has collaborated with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) UAS R&D Programme on the solution.
The partnership has resulted in Plextek Consulting successfully detecting and tracking small UAS during a two-week sensor trial in Scotland organised by Dstl.
The trials also enabled demonstration of advanced signal processing techniques to differentiate radar returns from moving objects such as swaying-trees and birds, while also being able to distinguish between different types of UAS, such as fixed-wing and quad-copter.
Now Plextek Consulting is undertaking the development of a solution that can combine the benefits of an electronically scanned radar with advanced signal and image processing methods to detect, track, recognise and identify a non-cooperative airborne target.
Paul Martin, Plextek Consulting’s chief technology officer said: “Working with Dstl has been a great opportunity to prove and highlight the performance of our patented radar technology, with clear results revealing there is an innovative, cost-effective way to detect low-cost UAS.
“Once fully developed, this can be applied with both homeland defence and commercial domains, by the provision of local airspace monitoring and enhancement to the safety of UAS operation.”
Plextek Consulting is seeking collaborations with system integrators to incorporate its unique technology with other sensors and systems to provide a complete air surveillance solution.
Source: Business Weekly
Great concept, when do think it can be available for commerical use.?