Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) represents the commercialization of lower airspace with uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). This new generation of nimble aircraft will employ novel propulsion systems with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities that more efficiently move goods and people across communities near and far. UAS will grow to dominate the airspace over the coming decades with visions of pilotless aircraft safely and reliably navigating ever noisier and denser airspace.
These aircraft and their needs largely fall into two categories. Onboard equipment for navigation of the aircraft, and ground-based systems that aid navigation. Standards bodies are nearing decisions on systems architecture to enhance safety and mission success, and these standards are likely to work their way into the regulatory processes at the national level. Radar is a key component of standards bodies deliberations and are likely to be included in regulatory requirements in some manner.
Echodyne is a U.S. innovator and manufacturer of a new type of commercial radar built on an innovative antenna design with extraordinary Tx/Rx cell density and ultra-low size, weight, and power – metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA). Echodyne radars create a new data foundation built on innovations in dense, tight Tx/Rx beamforming and powerful signal processing software. The object metadata generated is richer, faster, more accurate, and more reliable than any other radar in its range class. Echodyne radars are used by NASA and FAA UAS tests and test centers and by a range of aircraft OEMs and UAS Operators.
