Comparison of Camera and Radar Based Sensors for Detect and Avoid

Comparison of Camera and Radar Based Sensors for Detect and Avoid

In January of 2024, Canada’s National Research Center (NRC) published this report titled “Transport Canada Airborne Detect and Avoid Flight Trials 2022/2023.”   

The report documents a flight test regime and results comparing the uAvionix Casia X system to two different onboard radar solutions for DAA.  The Casia X system by uAvionix stands out as a cutting-edge solution in the realm of UAS detect and avoid technologies. Its AI-driven optical detection capabilities, low weight, cost effectiveness, and extremely low false positive rate provides a comprehensive and reliable safety system for UAS operations. As the UAS industry continues to grow, the Casia X system, supported by the robust uAvionix infrastructure, will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and efficient airspace integration for unmanned aircraft. 

RadarCasia X
False Positives2812 (during 49 encounters)0 (during 77 encounters)
Detection Rate74.3%96.6%* (intruder above)
Average Range at First Detection1990 meters (±1019 meters)1441 meters (±456 meters)
(adjusted for software release 3.4)
Range Error-5 meters (±12 meters)144 meters (±225 meters)
Azimuth Error0.8 degrees (±0.6 degrees)1.3 degrees (±8.9 degrees)
Elevation Error-2.8 degrees (±8.6 degrees)-2.2 degrees (±2 degrees)

* Below skyline detections were disabled for the test.

The summary table above outlines the comparative performance metrics of the tested Camera and Radar-based systems.  For more information, please download the uAvionix Casia X NRC whitepaper detailing the test results and advantages of camera based solutions such as the Casia X.

Download the paper here


Discover more from sUAS News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.