Eyeing a requirement to protect critical infrastructure from an unconventional attack, UK company Plextek Consulting has demonstrated the ability of its Blighter ground-based surveillance radar to track the flight of small unmanned air systems (SUAS).
During the recent activity, new algorithms were used to monitor the activities of a Blue Bear Blackstart unmanned air vehicle, while the "throw and go" system was being flown along a pre-planned route. "The Blighter radar consistently detected the SUAS throughout the flight path," Plextek says.
Potential applications for the technology could include monitoring the area around a facility for any hostile use of unmanned air vehicles. Alternatively, it could be employed in support of civilian operations, "by providing accurate position data and [an] overview of any other traffic in the local area or beyond visual range," Plextek says.
With a wide area detection range of up to 10km (5.4nm), the electronically-scanned Blighter radar has already been installed at sites including London's Heathrow airport, and is also deployed "on several sensitive international borders around the world," the company says.
Source: Flight Daily News