UAS-supported Digitalized Search-And-Rescue using Harmonic Radar Reflection

Search-And-Rescue (SAR) is one of many fields with applications benefiting from the increasing availability of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). Most UAS applications rely on the UAS's capability to carry a camera and stream video data for manual or automated processing. However, this relies on unobstructed views of the target, which limits the applicability of these systems. In this paper, we instead describe the development and initial application testing of a system with a UAS-carried harmonic radar. This sensor is designed to detect the presence of Recco radar reflectors, commonly found integrated into alpine clothes and gear. The reflectors can be detected through vegetation and snow and is independent of many external factors such as lighting conditions. The paper describes the system design and provides initial real-world results. The initial tests show fruitful results and opens up several avenues of continued research and development.