Radar

Radar Technology for Defence Applications

Plextek’s cutting-edge radar technology offers exceptional capabilities for defence and security sectors. Our range of solutions, specifically designed to tackle modern challenges, provides reliable and versatile systems for various applications from ground surveillance to airspace security.

Our mmWave radar applications range from terrain-referenced navigation, ensuring precise location guidance, to Remote Pilot Operations (RPO)/docking for improved asset management and control in space-based applications. Perimeter security is another crucial area where our radar systems offer unmatched reliability for continuous surveillance, giving a 24hr capability, suitable in all weather applications.

Read more on three key areas of our radar technology: Ubiquitous Radar, Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN), and the PLX-T60 configurable mmWave platform. Discover how these innovations can enhance operational safety, efficiency, and security in defence applications.

Ubiquitous Radar with micro-Doppler classifier

The PLX-U16 Ubiquitous Radar represents a significant leap forward in radar technology, especially designed for detecting, tracking, and identifying small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in challenging urban environments. Unlike traditional scanning radars that capture scenes in sweeps, the PLX-U16 offers continuous observation across its field of view. This continuous coverage allows for extended dwell times, enabling the radar to track multiple targets with fine micro-Doppler resolution.

A visual representation of how the specialist ubiquitous staring radar out-performs an electrically scanning radar

Continuous Scene Awareness
Offers a wide view without the need to sweep, ensuring no target goes unnoticed.
Enhanced Tracking Capabilities
Utilises advanced algorithms to track multiple targets simultaneously, improving situational awareness.
Urban Environment Optimisation
Specifically designed to perform in densely populated areas where UAS activities pose unique threats.

Terrain Reference Navigation in flight

Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN)

Our innovative approach to TRN enhances the operational range and accuracy of drones and unmanned vehicles, which is essential in GNSS denied environments.

Our technology allows for precision navigation to areas as small as a tennis court over distances of kilometres. The integration of drone Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) systems with our TRN technology can further refine accuracy, ensuring reliable guidance even in the most challenging conditions.

Key Features

Advanced Precision: Accuracy in target location identification, crucial for both strategic planning and operational success.
Ground Classification and Object Detection: Utilises Terrain Characterisation algorithms (both AI and AI-free) for ground classification and object detection, enhancing operational versatility.
Ultra-low Power mmWave Radar: Offers a covert solution that is difficult to detect, preserving covertness.

PLX-T60 Technology Platform

The PLX-T60 is a groundbreaking suite of credit card-sized mmWave radars, operating within the 60-64 GHz spectrum. Designed for versatility, they are suitable for a range of applications including ground-based perimeter security, airborne collision avoidance, and space debris tracking. With their ultra-low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP–C), the PLX-T60 radars provide fine range and velocity resolution, capable of mitigating significant levels of clutter.

A mmWave radar module fitting into the palm of someone's hand

Compact Size
Measuring just 70x60x8mm, they are easily deployable in various scenarios without compromising performance.
Network Capability
Multiple PLX-T60s can be networked for enhanced coverage, reducing blind spots and increasing detection capabilities.
Angular Resolution
From 12°, allowing for precise detail in object detection and tracking.