Advanced Protection Systems (APS) FIELDctrl Advance

The FIELDctrl Advance from Advanced Protection Systems (APS), a manufacturer from Poland, is a radar for drone detection at close range. The flat radar panel watches one sector instead of rotating. Its target class is micro UAVs, meaning small quadcopters and FPV drones. It serves as a sensor in APS SKYctrl L and in the Terrahawk Paladin from MSI and APS, and it carries a NATO stock number (NSN 5840-430031820).

The manufacturer gives a detection range of 3 km against a radar cross section (RCS) of 0.01 m²; against a target of 0.1 m² the figure is 5.5 km. Range grows with radar cross section, so the two numbers belong together. The radar works in the X-band at 9.7 to 10 GHz; the 300 MHz bandwidth determines how finely FMCW separates targets in range. As a 3D MIMO radar it reports range, bearing and height. The sector measures 90 degrees horizontally and 60 in elevation, so all-round cover takes several panels. At 31.4 kg, 80 W and IP66/67 it suits mast or vehicle mounting outdoors.

Radars transmit too: in Germany every use of a frequency needs an assignment from the Bundesnetzagentur (Section 91(1) TKG). How frequency use is regulated in Poland has to be clarified with the competent authorities before deployment. The radar detects and tracks; jammers may be operated only by authorities in Germany and Poland (Section 91 TKG, Article 42 of the Polish Electronic Communications Law). Fields of use: military, industry, critical infrastructure.

When comparing, read the range with its reference: 3 km applies to 0.01 m², not to every target. The 90 × 60 degree sector sets placement and aiming; a drone flying steeply overhead lies outside it. A fixed panel has no antenna drive; wear concentrates on connectors, seals and mounts in continuous use, plus firmware upkeep. Cameras and RF detectors complement the radar for classification.