Surveillance radar provides wide-area detection and tracking by transmitting radio-frequency signals and analyzing their reflections. Radar can estimate a target's range, speed, direction, and movement, including in darkness and many adverse-weather conditions. For positive identification and precise distance confirmation, radar is often integrated with electro-optical and infrared sensors.
Why combine radar with EO/IR sensors?
Radar is effective for persistent detection over a large area, while visible and thermal cameras provide imagery for target classification. A laser rangefinder adds a direct, high-accuracy distance measurement to the sensor stack. Combining these measurements can reduce uncertainty and help the tracking system maintain a consistent target solution.
Applications for multi-sensor surveillance
Perimeter and infrastructure monitoring
Airports, ports, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure can use radar for early detection and an EO/IR payload for visual confirmation. Laser ranging supports accurate geolocation when target bearing, platform position, and measured distance are combined.
Counter-UAS and low-altitude monitoring
Small or slow aerial targets can be difficult to classify from a single sensor. Radar provides the initial track, cameras support identification, and a laser rangefinder can confirm distance when line of sight and operating conditions permit.
Maritime and coastal observation
Radar remains the primary wide-area sensor for vessel detection. EO/IR imaging and laser ranging can support close-range identification, harbor monitoring, and precise distance measurement for selected targets.
Laser rangefinder integration considerations
System designers should evaluate wavelength, eye-safety classification, maximum and minimum range, target reflectivity, beam divergence, ranging frequency, measurement accuracy, interface protocol, size, weight, power consumption, and environmental performance. Alignment between the camera, laser transmitter, receiver, and platform reference frame is also essential.
ERDI TECH LTD develops compact laser rangefinder and laser designator modules for integration into EO/IR payloads and multi-sensor systems. ERDI supplies the laser subsystem rather than the complete radar, and supports OEM/ODM interface definition and environmental validation.