Echodyne’s Radar Could Be Key to BVLOS Operation of UAS
In a move that could have a significant impact on the beyond visual line of sight operations of small UAS, Echodyne Corp. recently completed a successful test of a detect and avoid radar on a drone.
The technology allowed the UAS to see both moving and stationary objects, using what is known as “radar vision.”
To test the technology, Echodyne mounted its radar on top of a UAS as it conducted several missions over the course of a few days. The tests were conducted using Echodyne’s developer kit radar, which is equipped with the company’s Metamaterial Electronically Scanning Array, and the radar was able to recognize and track a variety of aircraft, as well as different stationary objects on the ground.
“Tests like this show that advanced radar can be deployed directly on small commercial UAVs to ensure safe beyond line of sight drone operations,” said Echodyne founder and CEO Eben Frankenberg through a company press release. “Unlike other sensor technologies such as cameras and lidars, radar provides accurate tracking of obstacles at long range across a broad field of view in all types of weather.”
For Tom Driscoll, founder and CTO of Echodyne, this test could go a long way in the world of autonomous systems and how they operate in response to their surroundings.
“This test brings us one step closer to fulfilling Echodyne’s mission to make the world a safer place by enabling cars, drones and other vehicles to sense the world around them,” said Driscoll.
According to an article from Technology Review, several drone companies are currently testing Echodyne’s radar. Echodyne has also began testing its technology on autonomous cars.
