Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from August, 2025

Millimeter Wave Radar for Helicopters

  Millimeter Wave Radar for Helicopters Precision Vision Through Radio Waves - The Ultimate Guide to MMW Technology Understanding Millimeter Wave Radar Millimeter wave (MMW) radar represents the cutting edge of helicopter sensing technology, operating in frequency ranges from 30 to 300 GHz with wavelengths of 1-10 millimeters. These systems have been specifically developed for helicopter applications, with implementations like the compact 76 GHz radar for collision avoidance systems and 94.75 GHz FMCW systems for assisted landing. Frequency Spectrum Comparison X-Band 8-12 GHz Traditional radar Lower resolution Ku-Band 12-18 GHz Satellite comms Weather radar MMW Ka-Band 26.5-40 GHz High resolution Compact antennas MMW W-Band 75-110 GHz Ultra-high precision All-weather capability Fun Fact:  MMW radar waves are so precise, they can distinguish between a bird and a paper airplane at 2 kilometers - though thankfully, most pilots aren't regularly dodging origami aircraft at cruising...