Comprehensive Review: Effectiveness of MIMO and Beamforming Technologies in Detecting Low RCS UAVs

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasing in popularity in various sectors, simultaneously rasing the challenge of detecting those with low radar cross sections (RCS). This review paper aims to assess the current state-of-the-art in radar technology, focusing on multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and beamforming techniques, to address this growing concern. It explores the challenges associated with detecting UAVs in urban settings and adverse weather conditions, where traditional radar systems often do not succeed. This paper examines the existing literature and technological advancements to understand how these methodologies can significantly boost detection capabilities under the constraints of low RCS. In particular, MIMO technology, renowned for its spatial multiplexing, and beamforming, with its directional signal enhancement, are evaluated for their efficacy in the context of UAV surveillance and defense strategies. Ultimately, a comprehensive comparison is presented, drawing on a variety of studies to illustrate the combined potential of integrating these technologies, providing the way for future developments in radar system design and UAV detection.