Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are an influential technology which can enhance life in multiple ways. However, they must be able to sense and operate safely with manned aircraft. Radar is an attractive sensor for UAS because of its all-weather performance. It is challenging, though, to meet the size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations of UAS and especially small-UAS while still maintaining the needed sensing capability. A working FMCW radar prototype has been created which meets the SWaP requirement of small-UAS. A simulation model for the radar was developed to test the processing algorithms of the radar and proved to be advantageous in that purpose. An automatic target detection algorithm was also successfully developed to allow the radar to identify targets of interest in a cluttered and dynamic environment. Fixed-wing airborne tests have been performed with the radar which show that the radar meets the SWaP requirements of small-UAS. They also show the prototype requires a higher sensitivity to detect other small-UAS. A successful redesign of the radar's receivers was done to make the radar more sensitive.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Electrical and Computer Engineering

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2017-04-01

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd9210

Keywords

Sense and Avoid, Radar, FMCW Radar, Automatic Target Detection, SAFE Database

Language

english

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