Detection of flying nano-drone signatures with a K-band FMCW radar

Abstract

Nano-drones are insect-like drones with a threat capability of intrusion to provide intelligence and potentially violate secure establishments and public privacy rights. They are an existing technology which is becoming increasingly more available, portable, affordable and easy to operate. As such, they represent a plausible defence and security threat. In this paper, an FMCW radar prototype operating in K-band is presented which was used to detect signatures of a flying nano drone characterised by Radar Cross Section (RCS) values below -25 dB. Results show the radar prototype was capable of successfully detecting the nano drone in flight and collecting its micro-Doppler signatures in various flying trajectories.