DD-12 — Passive Long-Range Drone Detection (80 MHz–12 GHz)
The full-band passive detection complex: wideband 360° direction finding up to ~10 km, EO/IR confirmation on a gimbal — and an optional X-band illumination radar that closes the blind spot of passive systems: drones flying in radio silence.
Overview
Passive first, active when needed.
DD-12 monitors 80 MHz–12 GHz, detects control, video and telemetry links by signature and forms a primary track with 360° bearing. An EO/IR camera on a gimbal, GNSS-heading and on-board edge computing (RFSoC + Jetson) confirm and follow the target. The optional X-band FMCW illuminator adds an independent detection channel for RF-silent targets — fiber-controlled drones and platforms flying a pre-programmed route: a bistatic two-station layout with fiber-optic synchronization and micro-Doppler confirmation. Standard profile is mixed: the passive scanner runs continuously, the illuminator engages on cue — near airports the complex runs passive-only without frequency coordination.
Key characteristics (calculated)
Pilot-configuration figures; confirmed in field validation. Datasheet on request.
| Frequency range | 80 MHz – 12 GHz (L 0.08–2, M 2–6, H 6–12 GHz) |
|---|---|
| Passive channel | up to ~10 km on control/video links (calculated) |
| Direction finding | 360°, 8-element UCA; azimuth ≤2° at SNR ≳20 dB |
| Tracking | EO/IR camera on gimbal, GNSS-heading, IMU |
| Illumination radar (option) | X-band FMCW ~9.5 GHz, GaN 10–20 W, 8×45° horns (360°), ~1.2–1.9 km at σ≈0.01 m² |
| Modes | passive / mixed / active (illuminator on cue) |
| Power | ~117 W passive / ~137 W mixed / ~216 W active; ~24 h from battery; solar buffer option |
| Deployment | two 3 m tripod stations, bistatic spacing, fiber-optic sync |
| Integration | A3O event fabric, DroneDefender C2, VMS/GIS/PSIM |
Regulatory note
Passive by default.
The passive channel emits nothing and requires no license — including in airport protection zones. The optional illumination radar transmits and is deployed only after frequency coordination for the specific site. Figures above are calculated for the pilot configuration and are confirmed during bench and field validation. Request a scoped consultation below.
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