CRFS examines how integrating Radio Frequency (RF) sensors with UAVs and aerostats can extend spectrum monitoring, signal detection, and geolocation capabilities across defense, security, and maritime operations. Read more >>
The company’s lightweight Node 100-18-LW (LW Node), weighing under 2 kg, is designed for integration with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) platforms, with a design that prioritizes high RF performance. It also incorporates an enhanced GNSS chipset supporting the L1, L2, and L5 frequency bands for precise geolocation capabilities.
Placing RF sensors at altitude can increase their line-of-sight and increase the detection range of monitoring networks. Depending on operational requirements, sensors may be carried by tethered drones, traditional rotary drones, fixed-wing UAVs, or aerostats. Each platform presents distinct characteristics in terms of endurance, maneuverability, payload capacity, deployment, and operating altitude, creating different options for electronic support measures (ESM), tactical battlefield intelligence, border monitoring, maritime domain awareness, and ISTAR missions.
The full article explores these applications in detail, including the use of tethered drones for sustained monitoring around forward operating bases, rotary UAVs for gathering battlefield intelligence and monitoring inaccessible border regions, and fixed-wing platforms for longer-range missions. It also considers how aerostats can support long-term monitoring from fixed positions and how airborne RF sensors can complement other intelligence sources when monitoring large or remote geographic areas.
Integrating the LW Node with airborne platforms can also extend RF spectrum monitoring and Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) mission ranges. When UAV-mounted sensors operate alongside ground-based sensors, data from both can be managed through a Command and Control (C2) system to support RF detection and geolocation across wider areas.
Read more on the CRFS website to explore the practical considerations and operational applications of integrating RF sensors across different airborne ISR platforms.
