Global Airspace Radar recently had the opportunity to speak with Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer, MatrixSpace to learn more about the role of radar in keeping track of drone movements overhead.
Radar plays an important role in the necessary airspace awareness needed in support of the movement toward Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight. Initially supporting military operations, the solution is also a good fit for city or campus areas. When one thinks of radar, the first impression is of a large installation, not a small form factor solution that can be deployed temporarily and easily moved when needed. The size of the device is incredibly small – two times as thick as a cell phone and shorter than an iPhone.
In addition to the small form factor, the AI sensing capability brings an additional level of intelligence. Is it a drone, general aviation, helicoptor or a bird? Privacy is maintained as it doesn’t identify the actual type of drone or who it is operated by. If a drone detection solution is need then partners are required. Two such partners are already working with MatrixSpace.
Early in February, a partnership was announced with Advexure to combine their deep expertise in complex solution delivery with MatrixSpace’s advanced AI-sensing radar technology, and increase the capabilities Advexure provides to its various public safety, infrastructure and utility customers.
In April, 2024 a partnership with INVOLI was also announced to bring together both solutions. The integrated solution supports BVLOS drone operations and the surveillance of sensitive sites such as prisons and energy infrastructure. The ability to detect both cooperative and non-cooperative air traffic in one deployment opens up new possibilities for enhanced safety and security across diverse applications.
Supporting BVLOS with radar replaces the need for human spotters along a flight path. Additionally, the company is currently working with some partners to provide networked sensors that will help to provide 4D accuracy, workflows that support decision making and the capability to store data at the network edge.
“MatrixSpace radar provides another layer of security to critical applications such as government locations, safe houses and prisons,” shared Lori DeMatteis. “Think of these applications as controlled security.”
It’s important to not overlook the importance of a solution like this to military in the field. Drones are one of the biggest threats to combat forces today. Having a small form factor radar solution that can be deployed in minutes, moved easily and not stand out on the landscape has proven to be game changer in identifying inbound threats from drones.
