Virtual receiving array method for direction of arrival estimation on unmanned aerial vehicles

UAV emitter geolocation systems force the development of small RF receivers with real-time direction of arrival (DOA) estimation capabilities. This paper introduces the Virtual Receiving Array method. A single element receiver samples an RF signal in time, while the UAV flies with a constant velocity. The data is manipulated and a Direct Data Domain algorithm is used to generate good quality DOA estimates at low SNR, making it ideal for dynamic environments.