Articles tagged with "radar-technology"
Hyundai-Kia safety tech spots people in blind spots with 99% accuracy
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced Vision Pulse, a new driver-safety technology that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals to detect people and vehicles even in blind spots and visually obstructed environments. The system achieves positional accuracy within four inches (10 centimeters) over a 330-foot (100-meter) range and maintains over 99% detection accuracy under adverse weather and nighttime conditions. Unlike conventional blind-spot systems that rely on cameras or radar, Vision Pulse communicates directly with UWB-enabled devices such as smartphones, wearables, and trackers to precisely locate nearby objects in real time, issuing alerts to prevent potential collisions. The technology offers rapid communication speeds of one to five milliseconds, enabling fast tracking of multiple high-speed moving objects simultaneously. Hyundai and Kia have enhanced the system with algorithms that predict the positions of multiple moving objects, improving safety in complex environments like crowded intersections. Vision Pulse leverages existing UWB hardware in some Hyundai and Kia vehicles (originally installed for Digital Key
IoTultra-widebandvehicle-safetyradar-technologyreal-time-trackingsmart-sensorsautomotive-technologyNew AI radar system aims to cut human error in maritime collisions
Scientists at Texas A&M University have developed an AI-assisted radar system called SMART-SEA (Ship collision avoidance of Machine learning And Radar Technology for Stationary Entities and Avoidance) to help ship captains reduce deadly maritime collisions caused by human error. Unlike fully autonomous navigation systems, SMART-SEA operates with a “human-in-the-loop” approach, providing real-time instructions that combine human expertise with AI precision. The system was created under a contract from the US Department of the Interior and Department of Energy to address the rising incidence of collisions between vessels and stationary structures such as oil rigs. SMART-SEA integrates raw radar imaging with advanced machine learning to detect moving objects even in adverse weather and to classify stationary hazards. It uses computational fluid dynamics models and algorithms trained on historical vessel motions, incorporating seafarer experience gathered through focus groups. The system employs a Modified Velocity Obstacle algorithm combined with an Asymmetric Grey Cloud model to assess collision risks and suggest avoidance maneuvers, all while complying with International Regulations for
AIradar-technologymachine-learningmaritime-safetycollision-avoidanceocean-engineeringenergy-safetyCan China’s J-20 Detect the F-35?
The article examines the ongoing technological contest between two advanced stealth fighters: China’s upgraded J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and the U.S. F-35 Lightning II. China asserts that its J-20 can now detect the F-35 at distances exceeding 700 kilometers, leveraging next-generation AESA radar and infrared search systems enhanced by silicon carbide technology. This claim highlights significant advancements in China’s sensor capabilities aimed at countering the F-35’s stealth features. However, the article emphasizes that despite these improvements, the F-35 retains critical advantages through its sophisticated sensor fusion, extremely low radar cross-section, and integrated networked data links. These capabilities collectively enhance the F-35’s situational awareness and survivability in combat. Ultimately, the piece argues that future air engagements will be less about individual aircraft performance and more about the effectiveness of integrated systems and networked warfare, shifting the paradigm from jet-versus-jet dogfights to system-versus-system battles.
materialssilicon-carbideradar-technologystealth-technologysensor-fusionaerospace-technologymilitary-technologyTaiwan plans US-backed ‘defense wall’ to hunt Chinese jets, missiles
Taiwan is planning to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities by potentially acquiring nine additional US-made NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) batteries to complement the three already purchased in October 2024. If completed, this would bring Taiwan’s total to 12 NASAMS batteries, enabling overlapping coverage of key areas against short- and medium-range threats such as Chinese aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The initial purchase, finalized in February 2025 for approximately US$762 million, includes delivery of the first system expected by the end of 2025, though delays are possible. This expansion is part of Taiwan’s broader multi-domain deterrence strategy showcased at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. NASAMS is a network-centric, ground-based air defense system jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the US company Raytheon. It integrates advanced radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and missile launchers equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
defense-technologymissile-defensenetwork-centric-systemscommand-and-controlradar-technologyair-defense-systemsmilitary-IoTDefense sensor helps defeat drones, jets, missiles' coordinated attacks
Raytheon has successfully completed nine increasingly complex flight tests of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), demonstrating its advanced capabilities in missile defense. In the latest 360-degree flight test, LTAMDS integrated with the Integrated Battle Command System and a PAC-3 MSE missile to intercept a threat-representative target. A key enhancement enabling LTAMDS to reach its full battlespace potential is the incorporation of the Large Tactical Power Source (LTPS), which provides increased power for the radar system. LTAMDS features three radar arrays—one primary and two secondary—that work together to detect and engage multiple threats simultaneously from any direction, effectively countering massive, coordinated attacks involving drones, jets, and missiles. Designated as an official U.S. Army program of record in April 2025, LTAMDS is designed to address advanced and next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons. Poland became the first international customer in 2024, with several other countries planning
energyradar-technologymissile-defensemilitary-technologysensor-systemsintegrated-battle-commandpower-sourcesCompact radar offers GPS-free, high-precision Earth monitoring
NASA, in collaboration with aerospace company Aloft Sensing, has developed HALE InSAR, a compact, lightweight radar system designed to monitor minute changes in Earth's surface with millimeter precision. Unlike traditional radar instruments, HALE InSAR operates without GPS by utilizing advanced positioning algorithms, enabling it to function accurately in remote locations. Weighing under 15 pounds and consuming less than 300 watts, the system employs a flat phased-array antenna that electronically steers its radar beam, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components. This innovation allows it to be deployed on high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) platforms such as stratospheric balloons and aircraft that can remain aloft for extended periods and revisit the same locations frequently. HALE InSAR leverages Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology to detect subtle terrain, snowpack, and volcanic deformations, offering potential early warnings for natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and landslides. The instrument has already been tested
energyradar-technologyGPS-free-navigationEarth-monitoringsynthetic-aperture-radarhigh-altitude-platformsremote-sensingPistol-sized vacuum tube in China's lab could boost radar tech
Chinese scientists have developed a miniaturized traveling-wave tube (TWT) that could significantly advance electronic warfare and radar technologies. This pistol-sized vacuum tube, created by a team led by Shi Xuechun at the Beijing Vacuum Electronic Research Institute, amplifies microwave pulses between 8 and 18 gigahertz with over 500 watts of output. Notably, the device is less than half the thickness of comparable Western models at just 20 millimeters tall, enabling easier integration into next-generation phased array radar systems, which require hundreds or thousands of such components. The TWT operates by synchronizing an electron beam with a slowed radio frequency (RF) field inside a cylindrical structure containing an electron gun, helix, and collector. This design allows for wide bandwidth amplification critical to radar, satellite communication, and microwave links. According to the researchers’ peer-reviewed June 2025 publication, the miniaturized TWT improves bandwidth, power output, and efficiency, enhancing detection range and accuracy for
materialsenergymicrowave-technologyvacuum-tuberadar-technologyelectronic-warfarecommunication-technologyGermany to spend $9B on Skyranger 30 systems to counter drones
Germany is set to significantly enhance its short-range air defense capabilities by investing up to $9 billion in Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun systems, with deliveries planned by 2035. This large-scale procurement, part of Germany’s Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (NNbS) program, could involve acquiring 500 to 600 Skyranger 30 units. The system, mounted on an 8×8 Boxer armored vehicle, combines a 30mm revolver cannon with short-range surface-to-air missiles, including the FIM-92 Stinger, and uses the advanced Spexer 2000 3D MKIII radar to detect aerial threats up to 40 km away. This order follows an earlier $695 million contract for prototypes and initial production units awarded in early 2024. The move reflects Germany’s response to the increasing threat posed by drone warfare, which has become a dominant factor on modern battlefields. The Skyranger 30
defense-technologyanti-drone-systemsSkyranger-30radar-technologymilitary-roboticsshort-range-air-defensedrone-warfareAI-powered radar tech can spy on phone calls up to 10 feet away
Researchers at Penn State have developed an AI-powered radar system capable of remotely eavesdropping on phone calls by detecting and decoding subtle vibrations from a cellphone’s earpiece. Using millimeter-wave radar—technology commonly found in self-driving cars and 5G networks—combined with a customized AI speech recognition model adapted from OpenAI’s Whisper, the system can capture and transcribe conversations from up to 10 feet away with approximately 60% accuracy over a vocabulary of up to 10,000 words. This represents a significant advancement from their 2022 work, which could only recognize a limited set of predefined words with higher accuracy. The researchers emphasize that while the transcription accuracy is imperfect, even partial recognition of keywords can pose serious privacy and security risks, especially when combined with contextual knowledge. They liken the system’s capabilities to lip reading, which also relies on partial information to infer conversations. The study highlights the potential misuse of such technology by malicious actors to spy on private phone calls remotely,
AIradar-technologyspeech-recognitionprivacy-risksmillimeter-wave-radarmachine-learningIoT-securityChina’s new ‘ghost’ radar may let military operate in total silence
Chinese researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute have developed a novel "telepathy" radar system that enables military communication without emitting detectable electromagnetic signals. Unlike traditional radio communications, which broadcast signals that can be intercepted, jammed, or targeted by missile attacks, this new method uses a "smart surface" composed of programmable metamaterial tiles. These tiles modulate and scatter radar echoes from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, encoding data directly into the reflected signals without generating additional emissions. This approach allows combat units to communicate covertly, effectively rendering them "invisible" in electronic warfare scenarios. The system, detailed in the Journal of Radars, operates by switching the metamaterial tiles between two phase states to encode messages, blending the communication seamlessly into the natural electromagnetic background. While still in the laboratory testing phase, this technology promises to significantly reduce detection risks and enhance communication security on the battlefield. If validated in real-world conditions, it could provide Chinese military assets—such as tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels
IoTradar-technologymetamaterialsmilitary-communicationelectromagnetic-stealthsynthetic-aperture-radarsecure-communicationLockheed's new long-range radar tracks live ballistic missile in test
Lockheed Martin and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully tested the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), demonstrating its capability to detect, track, and discriminate a live intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) target amid complex conditions. Conducted on June 23, 2025, at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska, the test involved tracking a missile launched over the northern Pacific Ocean, flying more than 1,242 miles off Alaska’s coast. The LRDR provided critical tracking data to the Command and Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system, supporting a simulated Ground-Based Midcourse Defense engagement. This test validated LRDR’s extended-range detection and discrimination capabilities, crucial for homeland defense. The LRDR is a solid-state, gallium nitride (GaN)-based radar developed under Lockheed Martin’s Open GaN Foundry model, designed to enhance the US layered missile defense strategy by improving precision in distinguishing real threats from decoys. The radar also
materialsradar-technologygallium-nitridemissile-defenseLockheed-Martinlong-range-radarhomeland-securityUS Army unleashes fusion-powered jammers, smart radar to kill drones
The U.S. Army has initiated Project Fly Trap at Germany’s Hohenfels Training Area to field-test advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) designed for frontline infantry use rather than fixed installations. This initiative aims to provide infantry squads with portable, versatile drone defense tools, including fusion-powered jammers, smart radars, and wearable detection devices. Systems such as the EchoShield cognitive radar mounted on Stryker vehicles deliver real-time drone detection and location updates directly to soldiers’ Nett Warrior devices, enhancing situational awareness without cumbersome equipment. Foot soldiers are equipped with devices like Pit Bull jammers and Wingman detectors, while some troops integrate the Smartshooter SMASH 2000L attachment on their M4 carbines to simultaneously engage drones and ground threats. The exercise incorporates layered detection methods, combining acoustic sensors (Titan, Skyview), portable radar, and acoustic panels (Squarehead) to create overlapping coverage for tracking and neutralizing drone threats. British forces from the Royal Yorkshire
energyIoTradar-technologydrone-defensemilitary-technologywearable-techcounter-UAS-systems