Methodology for Estimating the Number of Multicopter Rotors Based on Secondary Modulation Signal Analysis
https://doi.org/10.32603/1993-8985-2026-29-1-103-113
Abstract
Introduction. In the field of radar monitoring of airspace, multicopter discrimination is a highly relevant task, which includes determination of their class, i.e., small-, medium, or heavy multicopters. The discrimination task is directly related to the analysis of radar signatures and determining the rotor number in a multicopter. Regarding the construction of radar rotors for aircrafts, radar systems obtained using the method of inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) are particularly interesting. In order to create such signatures, information on the rotational frequency of the rotors is required, which can be determined using the method proposed in this paper. Aim. Development of a methodology for estimating the number of rotors in a multicopter based on the analysis of the radar signal of secondary modulation caused by blade rotation. Materials and methods. The task of estimating the number of rotors is related to the task of estimating the frequency of their rotation, which, in turn, is considered as the task of accumulating secondary modulation responses created by rotation in the signal structure with simultaneous compensation of phase incursions. For simulation purposes, a monochromatic signal with a frequency of 10 GHz was considered. Correlation processing and statistical analysis were used to implement and evaluate the algorithms used in the methodology. Results. A methodology for estimating the number of rotors in a multicopter based on the analysis of secondary modulation signals was developed. Its operability was tested by simulating different scenarios of target movement. Conclusion. The developed methodology for estimating the number of rotors in a multicopter based on the analysis of secondary modulation signals forms a basis for developing an algorithm for imaging quadcopter rotors using the ISAR method. Information on the number and rotation frequencies of rotors can be used to construct radar signatures of multicopter rotors based on the ISAR method followed by subsequent evaluation of design features and distinction between single and integrated targets.
About the Authors
E. S. Plotnitskaya
Research Institute "Prognoz"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ekaterina S. Plotnitskaya – Master in Radio Engineering (2023, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University). Postgraduate student of Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Junior Research Fellow. The author of 9 scientific publications. Area of expertise: radar recognition.
S. R. Heister
JSC "ALEVKURP"
Belarus
Belarus
Sergey R. Heister, Dr Sci. (Eng.) (2004), Professor (2006), Chief Researcher. The author of more than 150 scientific publications. Area of expertise: construction of radio engineering systems for various purposes; radar recognition; adaptive signal processing; radioelectronic protective measures.
V. I. Veremyev
Research Institute "Prognoz"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir I. Veremyev – Cand. Sci. (2000), Professor of the Department of Radio Engineering Systems in Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Director. The author of more than 130 scientific publications. Area of expertise: integrated environmental monitoring; complex issues of building radar systems; multi-band multi-position radar systems for airspace and sea surface monitoring.
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Review
For citations:
Plotnitskaya E.S., Heister S.R., Veremyev V.I. Methodology for Estimating the Number of Multicopter Rotors Based on Secondary Modulation Signal Analysis. Journal of the Russian Universities. Radioelectronics. 2026;29(1):103-113. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32603/1993-8985-2026-29-1-103-113
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