Dual Radar Arrays for Wide-Angle Due Regard Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern air vehicles, particularly small unmanned aircraft, face challenges in meeting size, weight, and power limitations to provide an adequate field of coverage for due regard radar systems, which is essential for detecting and tracking non-cooperative airborne targets.
Innovation Solution
A radar system comprising two arrays of radiating elements oriented at an angle of 110 degrees in the azimuth plane, providing a combined field of coverage of at least ±110 degrees in the azimuth plane and ±15 degrees in the elevation plane, with an overlapping field of coverage, to meet regulatory requirements while being compact and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single radar array is used to provide due regard sensing coverage, then the system is simpler and lighter, but the field of coverage is insufficient to meet regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into two separate radar arrays, each with its own radiating elements and beamforming capabilities. This segmentation allows each array to cover a specific angular sector while collectively providing full 360-degree azimuth coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by orienting the two radar arrays at different azimuth angles (0 degrees and 180 degrees). This dimensional arrangement in the azimuth plane enables overlapping coverage zones that collectively span the entire horizontal field of view, achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional array
2Area of stationary object
If a single radar array is used to provide due regard sensing coverage, then the system weighs less and consumes less power, but the field of coverage is insufficient to meet regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into two separate radar arrays, each with its own radiating elements and beamforming capabilities. This segmentation allows each array to cover a specific angular sector while collectively providing full 360-degree azimuth coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by orienting the two radar arrays at different azimuth angles (0 degrees and 180 degrees). This dimensional arrangement in the azimuth plane enables overlapping coverage zones that collectively span the entire horizontal field of view, achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional array
3Area of stationary object
If a single radar array is used to provide due regard sensing coverage, then the system consumes less power, but the field of coverage is insufficient to meet regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into two separate radar arrays, each with its own radiating elements and beamforming capabilities. This segmentation allows each array to cover a specific angular sector while collectively providing full 360-degree azimuth coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by orienting the two radar arrays at different azimuth angles (0 degrees and 180 degrees). This dimensional arrangement in the azimuth plane enables overlapping coverage zones that collectively span the entire horizontal field of view, achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional array
4Area of stationary object
If two radar arrays are used to provide overlapping field of coverage, then the field of coverage meets regulatory requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coverage areas of two radar arrays oriented at 0 and 180 degrees azimuth, creating overlapping fields of coverage that collectively provide full 360-degree azimuth coverage. The beamforming networks of both arrays are integrated to process returns from all directions, merging their individual coverage zones into a unified surveillance system that meets regulatory requirements
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 effectively detects and tracks airborne targets across a wide field of view, meeting regulatory standards while adhering to size, weight, and power constraints, enabling efficient sense and avoid functions.
Implementation Method 1
the disclosed radar system may include a first radar array including a plurality of first radiating elements, and a second radar array including a plurality of second radiating elements
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system may include a first radar array including a plurality of first radiating elements, and a second radar array including a plurality of second radiating elements, wherein the first radar array and the second radar array include a combined field of coverage of at least ±110 degrees in an azimuth plane and at least ±15 degrees in an elevation plane.