122 GHz Monostatic Radar Altimeter for Automated UAV Landing

Landing maneuvers are critical tasks for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and need very precise information on the altitude above ground level (AGL). Radar is a suitable technology for this application, because it can not only sense the altitude AGL but also the rate of descent. In addition, obstacles or unsuitable terrain for landing can be detected. With the 122 GHz monostatic radar sensor presented in this paper, high bandwidth can be achieved in order to obtain range resolution in the single digit cm-range. Measurements are performed for different bandwidths to verify the concept.