A rapid deployment guided radar sensor

Abstract

A need has long existed for a rapid deployment, terrain following security sensor for use around portable resources, along an avenue of approach, or for the temporary replacement of a failed sensor. Existing solutions such as portable microwave or passive infra-red (PIR) sensors are relatively inexpensive, but cannot work over uneven terrain, around corners, or in foliage. The cost and installation complexity of these sensors increases rapidly as more units are required. The Repels® RF sensor provides many of the required features, but uses sensor cables that are overtly mounted above ground. The OmniTrax® technology was first introduced at the 2004 Carnahan Conference, applying Ultra Wide Band radar principles to a ranging leaky cable guided radar sensor. In 2007, a program called TFDIDS (Terrain Following Deployable Intrusion Detection Sensor) was initiated in conjunction with the US Air Force, to apply the advancements in this ranging technology to the rapid deployment sensor needs defined by the USAF Tactical Automated Sensor System (TASS). This advancement includes a novel invention employing the processing of dual parallel leaky sensor cables, termed Stereo OmniTrax. This processing dramatically improves the discrimination between human intrusion threats and small nuisance targets or environmental effects. The TFDIDS system provides a complete lightweight sensor kit for the rapid deployment (less than 30 minutes) of a 100 m detection zone, and later, for the sensor's retrieval and reuse. TFDIDS interfaces to standard Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) including USAF powering and communications devices. This paper outlines the key elements of the TFDIDS design, describes its components, and explains how TFDIDS provides reliable detection using a surface sensor cable deployment. Initial performance results are presented, from tests conducted at the Senstar SITE in 2008. The test applications include through-the-woods, on tarmac and on typical open field surfaces.