Investigation of UAV detection by different solid-state marine radars

Abstract

The development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies provides not only benefits but also threats. UAV technologies are developing faster than means of detecting and neutralizing them. Radar technology is one of the means of UAV detection which provides the longest detection range. Today’s market provides low-cost solid-state marine radar working on FMCW and pulse-compression principles of operation. Despite such radars having attractive features, they were not designed for UAV detection. Although they are not optimal, they could be used for UAV detection. The detection possibility of UAVs by marine radars was investigated by using three types of radars and two types of small UAVs as targets. Radar cross-section measurements of the targets were made in laboratory conditions.