HENSOLDT, a leading sensor solution provider, has successfully developed a compact, interference-resistant radar system designed to monitor uncontrolled airspace. Working in collaboration with partners such as the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), the new radar system was put to the test in a series of flight trials. These trials, involving multiple drones and a research helicopter, demonstrated the radar's ability to monitor airspace above urban areas. Further analyses are being conducted to ensure the safe and reliable detection of aircraft in uncontrolled zones.
The flight tests took place at the DLR's National Experimental Test Centre for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, marking the conclusion of the "MIMO Air" project. This initiative, led by HENSOLDT, brought together several organizations to develop and validate the research prototype of an Air Traffic Monitoring and Management System (ATMMS). Among the innovations were several key components, including the MIMO radar sensor, radar post-processor, ground control station, and data link.
The Innovative MIMO Radar System
At the core of the system is the MIMO radar sensor, developed by HENSOLDT. Together with the radar post-processor, this setup is referred to as the MIMO radar system. The system’s unique design makes it ideal for monitoring close-range airspace around flying platforms. It also serves as a navigation and landing aid, while simultaneously warning of nearby obstacles.
One of the defining features of the MIMO radar system is its cognitive capability, which allows it to dynamically adapt to changing environmental conditions using artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, it takes hardware and software limitations into account, ensuring optimal performance in a compact size. The term "MIMO," which stands for "multiple-input and multiple-output," refers to the radar's ability to virtually expand its signal reception without physically increasing the size of its antenna. This is a critical feature for minimizing the size and weight of the radar system, especially in applications where space is limited.
Successful Flight Tests Mark a Major Milestone
According to Maurice Tennigkeit, Project Manager for Airborne & Space Radars at HENSOLDT, the successful flight test demonstrated the system's ability to safely and reliably monitor air traffic in uncontrolled airspace above urban areas. "The project is an important milestone for integrating air taxis into German airspace in the future," Tennigkeit noted. As urban air mobility becomes a growing focus in aviation, this technology could play a pivotal role in enabling the safe navigation of air taxis and other unmanned aerial systems.
Collaboration and Future Potential
The MIMO Air project was led by HENSOLDT, with key contributions from several partners, including the DLR, the Fraunhofer Institute FHR, Humatects GmbH, and DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH. These partners were instrumental in the development and verification of the radar system and its components.
The project is part of a funding initiative under the aviation research program of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). It represents a significant step forward in the field of air traffic monitoring and the integration of advanced unmanned systems into existing airspace.
As HENSOLDT continues to refine its radar technology, the possibilities for future applications are vast. From air taxis to drone delivery systems, the compact and interference-resistant MIMO radar system could become a key enabler of safe and efficient urban air mobility, reshaping the future of airspace management.
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