Software Defined Noise Radar for Uncrewed Aerial System Detection

Rapid advances in the availability and capabilities of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) pose increasing threats to defence and security forces. Responses to these challenges require the development of advanced Counter UAS (CUAS) systems for both detect and defeat functions. Radar technology is able to locate UAS over long distances as well as characterize the unique micro-Doppler signature associated with their propeller rotation. Thus, it is well suited to address the detection challenge. A noise radar system, transmitting a random waveform, is developed using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology. The results of an experimental demonstration with a commercial UAS show the system is capable of detecting both returns from the UAS body as well as its micro-Doppler signature.