Israeli company Arbe Robotics has introduced the new Alerion 4D radar, designed to detect FPV and fiber-optic drones that can operate without a radio signal.
Unlike systems that rely on radio signals emitted by a drone, Alerion tracks the aircraft itself. This allows it to detect drones that do not use a radio control link, including aircraft connected via fiber-optic cables.
The radar uses a compact solid-state architecture that, according to the company, meets size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) requirements. Alerion can be deployed on fixed infrastructure, vehicles and portable systems.
The system can distinguish drones from birds, vehicles, buildings and vegetation. This is designed to help reduce false alarms and provide precise cueing for cameras and other effectors.
Once a target is detected, Alerion continues to track it regardless of how the drone is controlled or whether its communications are disrupted. The radar is designed to provide continuous tracking from initial detection to minimum range, including the critical final-approach zone.
According to Arbe Robotics, the radar has already undergone field testing for defense applications. It will be showcased at Counter-UAS Homeland Security Europe in London on September 23–24.
