Russia’s Ruselectronics Developing Microwave Radars for Small, Unmanned Helicopters

Russia’s Ruselectronics, a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation is developing a new type of helicopter radar systems based on microwave radiation.

Designed to be compact and lightweight, the radar will be  deployed on both unmanned as well as small manned helicopters. The equipment will help the helicopter to maneuver in poor visibility conditions and perform unmanned landing.

Microwave radiation will make it possible to form a detailed radar image of the external environment even in difficult weather conditions. The system also provides for timely warning of the pilot about threats in poor visibility conditions.

Future small and unmanned helicopters of the Russian Helicopters holding will be equipped with new radar systems.

The corresponding agreement on cooperation was concluded by the research and production enterprise "Salut" of "Ruselectronics" and the National Center for Helicopter Engineering (part of Russian Helicopters). The parties agreed to start long-term cooperation in the field of equipping helicopters with new generation electronic systems.

“The expertise of our enterprise in the field of microwave electronics will allow us to create an advanced radar system based on microwave radiation. The new equipment will simplify the control of helicopters and will be cheaper than the optical systems used today on military helicopters,” Alexander Bushuev, General Director of NPP Salyut.

Existing helicopter radars cannot be installed on small-sized unmanned helicopters due to their large dimensions and weight. The created equipment will be built on a non-standard circuitry solution and innovative methods of digital signal processing, which will reduce its dimensions for use on small-sized and unmanned helicopters, the General Director of NPP Salyut added.