The RFeye Node 100-18LW from CRFS is a high-performance RF sensor payload engineered for autonomous-system integration and particularly suited to Small UAVs (Class 2). Operating across 9 kHz to 18 GHz, the sub-2 kg unit provides passive RF sensing, real-time spectrum monitoring, signal detection, and high-fidelity I/Q data capture. Three independently switchable SMA RF inputs allow antennas to be selected for separate frequency bands, while the receiver combines 100 MHz instantaneous bandwidth with sweep rates reaching 390 GHz/s at 2 MHz RBW. Its lightweight aluminum enclosure, integrated heatsink, and compact 230 × 52 × 187 mm footprint support installation where payload mass and available space are constrained.
For EW and ISR missions, the RFeye Node 100-18LW can operate as an individual sensor or within a distributed network, supporting spectrum surveillance and RF geolocation using TDoA and 3D TDoA. The unit incorporates four-constellation GNSS with L1/L2 and L1/L5 support, selectable internal, GNSS, or external timing references, and 16-bit I/Q sampling at 125 MS/s. Interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet with POnE, USB 2.0, SyncLinc expansion connectivity, and an external 10 MHz reference input. The design is specified for operation from -30 to +50 °C with forced-air cooling and draws 35 W typically, helping integrators incorporate wideband RF monitoring and collection capability into fixed-wing autonomous aerial platforms.
