Miniaturized helicopter near field obstacle warning radar: Sensor system performance and flight tests

This paper presents the system performance and flight testing of an advanced technology demonstrator for a low-cost and small size near-field obstacle warning sensor for civil and military helicopters. Based on the previously developed sensor modules, the complete sensor system was successfully tested during flight tests and the results of the visualization of various obstacles detected like antennas, rocks, wind-turbines are shown. It was demonstrated that all relevant obstacles were detected at the specified distances. Additionally, an outlook is given on the height estimation of obstacles for 3-D imaging.