CRFS examines how integrating radio frequency (RF) sensors into unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) can support intelligence collection, electronic warfare, force protection, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS), while reducing the need to deploy personnel in hazardous environments. Read more >>
RF sensors can be mounted directly onto a UGV, installed on fixed-height, extendable, or retractable masts reaching up to 10 meters, or carried by tethered UAVs to altitudes of up to 50 meters. Each configuration presents different considerations for sensor sensitivity, line of sight, power consumption, and integration with vehicle command and control (C2) systems. The CRFS RFeye LW Node 100-18 incorporates edge processing and is optimized for size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C). Weighing less than 2 kg, it can help extend UGV operational range and increase available payload space.
Operational applications include detecting and geolocating communications and radar emissions, identifying electronic threats, and supporting air defense through passive signal detection. A network of four RF-equipped UGVs can use three-dimensional Time Difference of Arrival (3D TDoA) techniques to geolocate aircraft signals and detect and geolocate drone video and telemetry transmissions, providing information to air defense and c-UAS command and control systems.
Other applications include monitoring spectrum activity around mobile command posts and supporting emissions control (EMCON) training, where RF-equipped UGVs can simulate opposing force (OPFOR) electronic warfare threats and triangulate friendly communications signals.
CRFS also explores how RF-equipped UGVs can operate as part of wider, multi-domain sensor networks alongside fixed masts, vehicle-mounted systems such as V-TRACK, and UAV-based RF payloads. This approach supports dispersed RF sensing operations, enables UGV-mounted sensors to contribute to wider signal geolocation networks, and reduces the need for personnel to operate sensors manually.
Read Advantages of RF Sensors on Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicles, on the CRFS website to learn more.
