710576ACTION - UARAD III = Airborne Collision Detection sensor for use on Unmanned AircraftClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKThis Proof of Concept ("PoC") project is a follow on from our UARAD Proof of Market ("PoM") Project 700298, in which we confirmed the market for this sensor. In this project, we propose the design, development and characterisation of an all weather airborne object collision detection sensor for use on unmanned aircraft ("UA"). We are developing UA for use throughout the world in oil and mineral exploration and border patrol applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of UA operating Beyond Line Of Sight ("BLOS") is the deployment of a collision detection sensor. This is required by our potential UA customers. We plan to develop and demonstrate a technology that augments the capabilities of a stereo vision sensor, to enable the detection of airborne objects, such as other aircraft, balloons and birds, (a) at night, (b) in the clouds and (c) approaching from the sun. Our idea is to embed a microwave transmitter ("Tx") module in the nose of the UA together with a linear array of microwave receiver ("Rx") modules within the leading edge of the wings of the UA to form a linear electromagnetic imaging sensor. We will also use the same Tx and Rx modules on a rotating platform on the underside of the UA to provide a 360° detection coverage. These two microwave sensors form the ACTION sensor. Once this sensor has been proven on UA, Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority suggested that it could be used on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of manned aviation. An environmental benefit would be that UA create less pollution per km flown than their manned counterparts. We will use inexpensive components developed for the cell phone industry to keep the ACTION sensor cost to less than £16,680. BML is engaged with oil, gas and mineral exploration companies that have the means to pay for this technology and the incentive to support the exploitation of this work.