Advanced Protection Systems (APS) FIELDctrl Ultra LR

The FIELDctrl Ultra LR from Advanced Protection Systems (APS), a manufacturer from Poland, is the long-range radar of the FIELDctrl family, which also includes the variants Runway, Ultra SR and Follow. It is intended as a stationary radar panel for airports, border sections and strategic sites. Its target class is micro UAVs, meaning small drones with a very small radar cross section.

The detection range is 8 km against a radar cross section (RCS) of 0.01 m² and 14 km against 0.1 m²; the figures hold only with their reference. The 3D MIMO FMCW radar (long range) works in the X-band at 9.7 to 10 GHz and watches a sector of 90 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees in elevation. At 83 kg and 160 W power draw it belongs on a mast or foundation with a secured power supply. The manufacturer names airport, military and critical infrastructure as fields of use.

Radars transmit themselves: in Germany every use of a frequency needs an assignment from the Bundesnetzagentur (Section 91(1) TKG). For a long-range radar drawing 160 W this question belongs at the start of planning. 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).

Radar works along the line of sight: at 8 or 14 km the curvature of the Earth, terrain and buildings often limit the detection of low-flying drones more than transmit power does. The 8 km for 0.01 m² is no promise for targets flying low behind a ridge. Selection therefore turns on mounting height, a clear line of sight into the sector and the number of panels for the angle required. The mast must carry 83 kg plus wind load; seals, connectors, power supply and firmware version need checking.