Aircraft Detection 360 Camera and Microphone Array

Unmanned aerial systems efficiently collect meteorological data for weather forecasting. The FAA currently limits flights to 400 feet altitude but could grant a waiver if the applicant can demonstrate safe equipment and operations. By defining a protected area of operations, the applicant can switch the requirement from visually observing the UAV to detecting crewed aircraft that enter this protected area of operations. The proposed embedded system with six cameras and a microphone array will match human visual and audio capabilities in detecting crewed aircraft to 3200 meters. Building it from commercial off-the-shelf components keeps the mass to less than a kilogram and the price reasonable. The detector will communicate aircraft range and bearing to the autopilot and the remote pilot in command for avoidance maneuvers.