Collision Avoidance Millimeter Wave Radar System

To address the Navy’s need for an ultra-low SWaP, minimal aperture projection, 360° coverage, collision avoidance system for airborne platforms, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (ISI) proposes to develop the new Collision Avoidance Millimeter Wave Radar (CAMWAR) system. The CAMWAR system is based on a novel architecture that combines analog and digital beamforming with a MIMO (multiple-input-multiple-output) configuration, making a 100 Hz update/refresh rate possible through implementation of parallel operation and processing of multiple radar beams. Additionally, MIMO technology will improve radar angular resolution in a compact form factor. By providing two-dimensional angular information and high range resolution, the CAMWAR multi-sensor FMCW radar can build a composite picture or a full panoramic 360° view and operate with low probability of detection/intercept using adaptive power control. It tracks multiple ground obstacles and other aircraft with centimeter accuracy in range and velocity. To reduce the CAMWAR system cost, ISI incorporates recently introduced highly integrated millimeter wave (76-81 GHz) devices. In Phase I, ISI will develop a conceptual prototype including the radar antenna configuration, modulation waveform, and signal processing, and demonstrate feasibility of the selected approach. In Phase II, ISI will develop and build a working CAMWAR prototype, test its performance.