Scientists from the Warsaw University of Technology have developed the miniature radar XY-DemoSAR, a product designed to detect unauthorized machinery and objects, illegal activities and natural hazards.

Piotr Samczyński, one of the authors of the design, told TFN: “It was not designed specifically for the war in Ukraine, but we are happy that the Polish or Ukrainian army uses it. The question is scale at this point: 200 meters could perhaps be used in localized urban combat.

In the photo on the right, Piotr Samczyński told TFN that he would be happy if the radar ended up being used by the Polish and Ukrainian armed forces.XY detection

Samczyński added that the initial motivation behind the project was to help with flood and fire management.

The device allows to create two-dimensional maps of the earth’s surface with high definition up to 15 cm. Its low power consumption (up to 40W) and low weight (0.5 kg) allow it to be mounted on a small drone with a lifting capacity of up to 0.8 kg.

The radar can detect and track unauthorized drones and cars, but can also be used for surveying and mapping, surveillance and land surveillance. It was based on the XY-DemoRad (pictured above)XY detection

Radar also scans terrain and could replace more conventional optical systems in the future, Samczyński said.

“Its range is between a few dozen and several hundred meters and can be used whatever the weather, day or night. It is controlled remotely, for example from a smartphone,” he added.

A statement released by the company elaborated on its uses: “The radar can be used, among other things, to monitor security areas, for example those monitored by border authorities, police or fire departments. It is for detecting and tracking suspicious and unauthorized drones and cars, but also for surveying and mapping, land control and surveillance, illegal land clearing or trenching, backwaters, electrical networks, water pipes and pipelines in general.

Pictured mounted on a drone, the XY-DemoSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) was developed by scientists at the university’s Institute of Electronic Systems, in collaboration with XY-Sensing, a spin-off from the university . XY detection

The XY-DemoSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) was developed by scientists at the university’s Institute of Electronic Systems, in collaboration with XY-Sensing, a spin-off from the university. The radar chip is made in Germany by a Frankfurt-based company called Silicon Radar.

“It can be used where constant monitoring, comfortable use or restrictions on the use of radar transmission equipment are needed,” said the Center for Innovation Management and Technology Transfer.

Research carried out by the Institute of Electronic Systems of the Warsaw University of Technology in the field of radio positioning included 2D and 3D-SAR/ISAR imaging radar.