MatrixSpace has developed a portable AI-enabled radar for counter-UAS (C-UAS) applications, writes Nick Flaherty.

The rugged Portable 360 Radar kit is easily transportable to provide reliable close-airspace awareness with panoramic coverage for rapid-response counter-drone operations, from safeguarding stadiums and large public gatherings, to border security and battlespaces.

Traditional radar systems are cumbersome, slow to set up and limited in effectiveness for mobile C-UAS deployments, with high-power requirements. Instead, the power consumption of 25 W from a portable generator or battery pack and the ability to transport the kit in a car allow easy deployment.

The MatrixSpace AI software runs locally on a rugged graphics processor unit in the radar to handle the processing and detection of the radar signal to identify and track small aircraft at a range of 3 km and small UAVs at a range of 750 m to 1 km.

Multiple Portable 360 Radar systems can be networked with other sensors without compromising local operation. Users can deploy one system or one hundred, all working together for enterprise command and control using the MatrixSpace AiCloud.

By combining AI edge processing with MatrixSpace AiCloud Enterprise Software, central or remote command centres get a common operating picture and airspace activity analytics.

The system won the US Army’s recent xTechCounter Strike competition for best active sensor.