Sparrowhawk is an advanced ground-based radar system that provides safe and effective DAA (detect and avoid) capabilities for BVLOS drone flights. Based on cutting-edge computer vision techniques and complemented by ADS-B, it provides an integrated airspace picture with advanced situational awareness, allowing increased operational coverage of up to 1400 square kilometers with a single radar.
The portable system is designed to be installed into a mid-sized vehicle, solving both the size and weight issues of airborne DAA radars and the costs associated with traditional ground-based equipment. The complete system is comprised of radar hardware, a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) dongle, an ADS-B antenna, and airspace management software. Sparrowhawk’s simple API also allows you to integrate its data output into your own ground control station or UTM (unmanned traffic management) system, as well as a variety of third-party software such as Anra, Unifly, or DroneSense.
Providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage both during the day and at night and under a variety of weather conditions, Sparrowhawk can detect a variety of airspace obstacles and hazards, including:
- Other drones
- Manned aircraft & helicopters
- Birds
- Weather (snow, rain, fog, smoke)
- Ground clutter
The system is currently tuned to track large drones weighing approximately 25 kg and up, and may provide intermittent tracking of smaller platforms.
