ViDAR for Uncrewed Systems

ViDAR for Uncrewed Systems

ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging), the world's first Optical Radar, is a wide area optical search system proven to operate up to Sea State 6. ViDAR autonomously finds objects on the surface of the ocean over vastly greater areas than traditional search methods. ViDAR operates optically so it is unaffected by white caps and other effects that impact technology such as radar.

Day and Night, ViDAR is able to detect objects that are very small – much beyond the capability of the human eye – to dramatically extend the coverage of tactical UAS in a broad range of search missions including search and rescue, illegal fishing, counter narcotics and maritime security. ViDAR is in use today on UAS with the Royal Australian Navy, US Coast Guard and other agencies and forces.

Photo Courtesy of NAVAIR.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Capabilities

20NM search swath enables over 13,360NM2 of ocean coverage in 12hrs at 60kts

ViDAR continuously scans the ocean 180 degrees in front of the UAS and autonomously detects all objects on the ocean surface

Real-time detection of fast boats, fishing vessels, rubber rafts, people overboard

ViDAR presents the operator with an image and location coordinate of each object enabling selection to cross-cue the UAS primary sensor.

ViDAR passively detects objects including those with low electronic signature

ViDAR supports EO and IR sensors enabling day and night mission operations