Tethered UAS Radar Sensing for Over-the-Horizon Low Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote sensing technologies face limitations in detecting and tracking objects beyond the local horizon due to the curvature of the Earth, with existing methods like Over The Horizon Radar having limited range and airborne platforms being impractical for tactical situations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a tethered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with sensors and a ground station for long-range Over The Horizon (OTH) sensing, where the tether provides power, control, and communications, and serves as an antenna for RF communications and radar sensing, enabling extended Line Of Sight (LOS) detection and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ground-based sensors are used for remote sensing, then detection is possible for nearby objects, but detection range is limited to 20-40 kilometers due to Earth curvature blocking Line of Sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor platform from ground level to aerial dimension by deploying sensors on high-altitude balloons or aircraft. This dimensional change allows the sensor to operate above the curved Earth's surface, extending the Line of Sight horizon from approximately 20-40 km at ground level to several hundred kilometers at high altitude, thereby resolving the detection range limitation without compromising Line of Sight availability
2Length of stationary object
If Over The Horizon Radar using ionic layer reflection is used, then detection range is extended beyond horizon, but useful range is limited because reflection geometry is not useful for tactical situations requiring detection ranges of hundreds of kilometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically positionable aerial sensor platforms (high-altitude balloons and aircraft) that can be moved to different locations and altitudes as needed. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to various tactical situations and achieve detection ranges of hundreds of kilometers by optimizing the sensor's position above the horizon, rather than being constrained by fixed ground-based or ionospheric-reflection geometries
3Length of stationary object
If sensor is hosted on blimp, dirigible, or balloon at high altitude, then Line of Sight is extended beyond horizon, but platform requires ground station and crew for mooring and power, and is relatively immobile making it easy to locate and destroy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operate without requiring ground stations or crew for mooring and power supply. These self-sufficient platforms carry their own power sources and control systems, eliminating the vulnerability of tethered connections to ground infrastructure. The autonomous operation significantly enhances survivability and covertness by removing human elements and ground-based support requirements
4Duration of action of stationary object
If tethered UAS is used for OTH sensing, then persistent early warning and tactical OTH LOS detection is achieved, but system complexity increases with tether infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tether in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to hold the UAS at elevated position for extended Line of Sight, delivers electrical power from ground station to the airborne platform, and enables bidirectional communication between ground control and the UAS. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity while achieving persistent detection capability
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
This solution provides persistent early warning and tactical OTH LOS detection, tracking, and classification of objects, maintaining survivability and covertness, with enhanced range and accuracy beyond conventional remote sensing limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The tether or ground station prevents UAS from drifting away and provides it with power, control and communications. The tether may serve as an antenna for long range RF communications and/or radar sensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are provided for achieving long range, over the horizon (OTH), persistent surveillance, alerting, tracking and situational awareness against small, low radar cross section moving targets. The system and method use one or more tethered unmanned arial systems, or unmanned arial vehicles, to lift components including a radar antenna to a height above nearby obstacles or much higher. The system and method can also be used for subsurface radar detection and tracking applications, as well as communications with submarines.