Cable imaging with an active W-band millimeter-wave sensor

A system that can detect wires and cables suspended in the air and give fair warning of such obstacles on approach is highly desirable for both commercial and military helicopter pilots alike, given the recent increase in wire strike accidents. This paper discusses the recent development of a flight capable active millimeter-wave imaging system as a candidate and potential solution for such a system. The development methodology and flight test results presented validate the functionality of this flight system as a useful development platform for advanced system concept applications even beyond cable detection and imaging.