Echodyne EchoGuard

The EchoGuard from Echodyne (USA) is a compact radar for detecting small drones. It uses a metamaterial antenna (MESA, an electronically scanned array) in the K-band, weighs 1.25 kg and has a field of view of 120 × 80 degrees. The device is widely used as a radar sensor in counter-drone systems. The manufacturer names critical infrastructure, prisons, airports and military use as fields of use.

The detection range is 1.0 km: the manufacturer gives more than 1 km against a DJI Phantom 4 and more than 1.4 km against a Matrice 600, so range depends on target size. The measurement range of 6 km is the radar’s own reach, not a figure for small drones. The pulse-Doppler radar uses 24.05 to 24.25 GHz (international) or 24.45 to 24.65 GHz (US); rain attenuation is higher in the K-band than in the X-band. One unit covers 120 degrees, so 360 degrees takes four units; up to 20 targets are tracked at once.

Radars transmit too: in Germany every use of a frequency needs an assignment from the Bundesnetzagentur (Section 91(1) TKG). The frequency window differs by region, so the variant for the country of use has to be chosen when procuring. How frequency use is regulated in Poland has to be clarified with the competent authorities before deployment. Jammers may be operated only by authorities in Germany and Poland (Section 91 TKG, Article 42 of the Polish Electronic Communications Law).

In selection the target class counts: 1 km against a Phantom 4 is a close-range statement, and the radar suits a multi-layer system at a single site better than wide-area surveillance. The four units for 360 degrees belong in the calculation of mounting, network and power supply. With no mechanically rotated antenna there is no drive wear; attention goes to tilt alignment, mount, cables and firmware.