Passive Radar for Drone Detection and Classification

The proliferation of drones in civilian and military applications has increased the needfor effective detection and classification systems that can work 24/7 in all weather conditions. Passive radar systems, exploiting existing radio frequency emitters, offer a cost-effective and covert solution for this challenge. This paper uses micro-Doppler signatures induced by drone propellers as a distinctive feature for drone detection and classification. The detailed analysis of micro-Doppler effects is presented in the paper, together with the implementation guidelines and real-life example data analyses. Experimental results highlight the system's capability to detect and classify drones based on their micro-Doppler characteristics, offering a promising approach to enhancing situational awareness and security in civilian and military applications.