KEYWORDS: Radar, Sensors, Extremely high frequency, Visualization, Visibility, Visibility through fog, Millimeter wave imaging, Radar signal processing, Data integration, Real time imaging
In 2019, landing in zero visibility conditions remains an unresolved, dangerous problem for commercial aircraft for both regional and transport markets. Common sensor solutions such as Infrared or LIDAR offer selective, limited obscurant penetration (i.e. rain, fog, snow, smoke). Honeywell’s active millimeter wave radar platform presents a sensor solution capable of seeing through all types of weather, while generating a meaningful, actionable image in real time. Results from recent field testing with the active mmW radar on approaches to multiple small municipal airports are presented and discussed, validating the application of this sensor to this need. While smaller airstrips challenge the performance of even high resolution radar sensors given reduced detectable features of prominence, the active millimeter wave radar produces real-beam imagery at the necessary angular resolutions and relevant approach ranges to support real time imaging of runways and a variety of prominent identifying guide-features. Recorded data is combined in an output with a synthetic 3D environment, supplementing the image with available a priori information. An integrated visual result is proffered that can feed into a heads-up display (HUD), with discussion about sensor improvements and additional image processing to perhaps eventually produce a comprehensive solution to the fixed wing, zero visibility landing problem.
A multi-featured sensor solution has been developed that enhances the operational safety and functionality of small
airborne platforms, representing an invaluable stride toward enabling higher-risk, tactical missions. This paper
demonstrates results from a recently developed multi-functional sensor system that integrates a high performance
millimeter-wave radar front end, an evidence grid-based integration processing scheme, and the incorporation into a 3D
Synthetic Vision System (SVS) display. The front end architecture consists of a w-band real-beam scanning radar that
generates a high resolution real-time radar map and operates with an adaptable antenna architecture currently configured
with an interferometric capability for target height estimation. The raw sensor data is further processed within an
evidence grid-based integration functionality that results in high-resolution maps in the region surrounding the platform.
Lastly, the accumulated radar results are displayed in a fully rendered 3D SVS environment integrated with local
database information to provide the best representation of the surrounding environment. The integrated system concept
will be discussed and initial results from an experimental flight test of this developmental system will be presented.
Specifically, the forward-looking operation of the system demonstrates the system's ability to produce high precision
terrain mapping with obstacle detection and avoidance capability, showcasing the system's versatility in a true
operational environment.
Networks of unattended ground sensors are fast becoming a reality, but little attention has been paid to date to the problem of how to plan an effective deployment of these sensors. Since the performance of the networked sensors depends on weather, target type, communications, terrain, and on how the sensors cooperate, the problem of planning a deployment is a very complex one. We will show how these factors can be included in a deployment planning tool that allows the warfighter to plan a deployment of acoustic sensors in near-real time. This tool can also be used as a health-monitor for the network of sensors, allowing the warfighter to maintain the network of sensors at a level of effectiveness needed to meet the mission goals.
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