Small transmitting power and high sensitivity 76GHz millimeter-wave radar for obstacle detection and collision avoidance of civil helicopters

Development of a 76 GHz millimeter-wave radar system for obstacle detection and collision avoidance of civil helicopters is discussed in this paper. To utilize low cost commercially available devices, the radar system is required to have a small power transmission, while maintaining high sensitivity and a long detection range. Firstly, the radar system is designed and realized by employing a simple direct conversion frequency modulated continuous-wave radar method. Then, on-ground power line detection test results shows about a 30 dB signal-to-noise ratio when the target is located around 140 m away from the antenna. Then, to carry out the on-board test, the millimeter-wave radar system is installed to an experimental helicopter. Finally, it is confirmed from the first trial results that the reflections from obstacles such as small aircraft were successfully measured.