Feasibility of using 360° LiDAR in C-sUAS Missions

This paper presents the results of a preliminary evaluation of the usage of the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for counter-UAS (C-UAS) applications. This evaluation is based on field experimentation involving low-altitude maneuvers by multiple different size and shape small UAS captured with a low-end Velodyne Hi-Res sensor. The paper describes the current state-of-the-art of the 3D 360° LiDAR and algorithm developed to process point cloud data with a goal of decreasing a possibility of a false sUAS detection when operating in a rural environment. The paper verifies limitations of small UAS detection using LiDARs and the effects the low-end sensor has on the detection rate. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendations for future research in the small UAS detection using LiDAR technology.