Passive Target Detection and Location using UAV-borne RF Sensors

Abstract

The detection and location of uncooperative Radio Frequency (RF) emitters are both important capabilities for Electronic Surveillance (ES) of adversarial assets for national security and defense purposes. In this paper, we present a concept for an application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with on-board ES payload/sensors to conduct tactical surveillance, target detection and location. This UAV-borne sensor configuration can be operated in cooperation with surface-based systems/platforms (ship- or ground-based systems). By collaborating, the spatially separated UAV-borne sensor and surface-based sensors/systems can provide better geometry and diversification in time and space to increase coverage and improve detection and location of any RF targets.