An Extended-Range Method for Maritime Search and Rescue Radar Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This study proposes an extended-range method for maritime search and rescue radar based on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aimed at expanding the detection range of traditional radar systems. A radar range-extension model combining Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology with UAVs is presented. This model operates by receiving radar echoes at a fixed distance using UAVs and transmitting them back to the radar receiver, thereby extending the radar’s detection range. Through theoretical analysis and simulation experiments, this study calculates the ratio of the new detection distance R
new
to the maximum detection range R
max
of conventional radars, and achieves an approximate 1.6-fold increase in range under ideal conditions. Finally, the paper demonstrates the theoretical improvements in radar detection range by UAVs, offering a more efficient and flexible technical solution for maritime search and rescue missions.