UARAD = Miniature Scanning RADAR for use in Collision Detection on an Unmanned Aircraft

We are developing small unmanned aircraft (UA) for use throughout the world in scientific,
commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state (border patrol)
applications. The greatest technical challenge to the use of UA operating beyond line of sight
is the development of an effective collision detection sensor. This is a requirement that has
been voiced at every UA conference I have attended. It has also been a requirement of our
potential customers, including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest
and second largest geophysical survey companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining
exploration and production companies.
We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the financial and technical
feasibility of developing an airborne collision detection sensor, based on the use of a
lightweight marine RADAR unit. The shortcoming we have identified with the sole reliance
on stereo vision for use in airborne collision detection is associated with the detection of
aircraft flying "out of the sun". The US Federal Aviation Authority has allowed the use of a
marine RADAR unit in the national airspace, so removing some of the concerns about the use
of this type of low-power RADAR unit in a terrestrial application.
Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop and use this system on
UA that fly beyond line of sight, to enable the aircraft to detect and avoid airborne objects,
such as other aircraft, balloons and parachutists.
Once proven, it was suggested by Cliff Whittaker at the Civil Aviation Authority, this sensor
could find wider application on light aircraft, so contributing to the safety of air travel and
enabling us to build up a world leading export business in this area in the U.K.
Another benefit will be environmental, since UA use less fuel than their manned counterparts
per kilometre travelled