Detection and Localization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Using Millimeter-Wave Automotive Radar Sensors

This letter reports the measurements and results of tests conducted on the detection of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) or drones using a millimeter-wave (mmWave) automotive radar sensor. Designed for the detection of automotive targets with radar cross section (RCS) in excess of 20 dBsm, these miniaturized radar sensors have demonstrated detection and ranging performance in detecting a UAS, whose RCS is typically less than
$-$
15 dBsm. The sensor operates in the 76–81 GHz (mmWave) band and employs the frequency-modulated continuous-wave principle with a maximum output power of 16 mW. The detection capability of the sensor in terms of range and radial velocity measurements was investigated using a Type-I micro-UAS with a mean RCS less than
$-$
20 dBsm. In addition to detection, ranging, and velocity measurements, the RCS and the micro-Doppler signature measurements of the UAS in flight are also presented. The measurements and analysis suggest that these mmWave sensors are ideally suited as low-cost sensors for the detection of micro- and mini-classes of UASs at short ranges. The micro-Doppler signature analysis reveals the versatility of mmWave sensors in the extraction of micro-Doppler signatures, which serves as an effective tool for the classification of UASs from other airborne nuisance targets such as birds and moving clutter.