Aircraft-Mounted RF Antenna Array for Forward UAV Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drone detection systems are limited in range and coverage, particularly on aircraft, making them ineffective during takeoff and landing when collisions with drones are most risky, and are not ubiquitous, leaving gaps in airspace surveillance.
Innovation Solution
A directional UAV detector system mounted on aircraft with focused antennae configured to detect RF waves from in front, providing enhanced range and accuracy in detecting UAVs and operators by calculating the angle of arrival and position relative to the aircraft, using a combination of cone beam antennae and software-defined radio technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ground based detection systems are used, then detection coverage is provided in specific areas, but detection range is limited and cannot protect aircraft during takeoff and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based detection to aircraft-mounted detection, adding the dimensional aspect of aerial surveillance. This allows the detection system to move with aircraft and provide continuous protection during critical phases like takeoff and landing, overcoming the limited range of stationary ground systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to be universally applicable to various aircraft types and operational scenarios. By mounting the system on aircraft rather than fixing it to ground locations, it can protect multiple aircraft across different areas and phases of flight, making the detection capability mobile and adaptable.
2Productivity
If conventional detection systems are installed only in high-risk areas, then resource allocation is optimized, but detection capability is not ubiquitous and leaves gaps in airspace surveillance
Solution Approach 1:
Each aircraft carries its own detection system, making it self-sufficient for detecting UAV threats. This eliminates the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure and ensures that every aircraft has detection capability regardless of location, achieving ubiquity without proportionally increasing overall system resources.
3Area of stationary object
If detection systems focus on 360 degree azimuth coverage, then comprehensive surveillance is provided, but detection accuracy for forward threats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating detection resources (antennae) to focus specifically on the forward sector where UAV threats are most likely during aircraft operations. This localized focus improves measurement precision for forward threats rather than diluting detection capability across all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses asymmetric antenna arrangement with specific orientations (e.g., two antennae at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis) optimized for forward detection. This asymmetric configuration provides superior angle of arrival accuracy for threats in the critical forward sector compared to symmetric 360-degree coverage systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly increases detection range and accuracy, enabling effective collision avoidance by providing real-time situational awareness of UAVs and operators to flight crews, even in fast-moving aircraft, and maintaining power consistency over a broader area.
Implementation Method 1
A directional antenna is provided which receives Radio Frequency (RF) waves from within a forward sector of an aircraft
Implementation Method 2
The processor is configured to calculate an angle of arrival of the RF waves from the directional antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein A UAV and/or UAV operator detector (1) configured to be mounted to an aircraft (2). The detector comprises an array of multiple Directional Radio Frequency (RF) antennae spaced apart from one another over two or three dimensions.