Hensoldt develops UAV detect and avoid radar
Hensoldt has enhanced the features of its collision avoidance radar system for UAVs, having developed a radome technology that protects it from mechanical environmental influence such as bird strikes or lightning, while minimally affecting the radar’s functionality.
The architecture of the new radome was initially tailored to a test aircraft but can be adapted to other platforms, and further flight tests are scheduled to take place this summer.
Hensoldt has developed a demonstrator of the detect-and-avoid radar system, which uses radar technology to detect objects in the flight path of a UAV to provide early warning of any threat of collision following precise evaluation of the flight direction.
Simultaneously, the sensor also assumes all the functions of a weather radar system.
It uses active electronically scanned array technology that allows several detection tasks to be carried out at the same time, and enables objects to be detected quickly.
It replaces the pilot’s visual assessment of the situation, and is equally suited to military and civilian UAVs, including for the delivery of cargo.
This radar system is incorporated into the UAV’s nose, and needs to be protected by a radome that is electrically transparent, has exactly the same thickness across the board, and is adapted to the aerodynamics of the platform.
This is something that requires knowledge of materials processing and the operating principle of radar systems, Hensoldt says.
The multifunction radar for UAVs will be presented for the first time to the general public in Ulm, during the International Radar Symposium of the German Institute for Navigation.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet]()
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
![Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS]()
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
