General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has ordered two SRC AN/TPQ-49A radars to detect and track aircraft near its drone testing sites in California.
The radars will operate at El Mirage and Gray Butte as part of a ground-based sense-and-avoid system, which monitors surrounding air traffic to help drone operators maintain safe separation from other aircraft.
Delivery is expected by the end of this month.
The order includes air surveillance software and associated services.
Ground-Based Air Surveillance
For flights beyond an operator’s visual line of sight, ground-based surveillance can help identify nearby aircraft without requiring the drone to carry its own radar.
According to SRC, this approach is particularly relevant to smaller unmanned aircraft with limited space and power for onboard sensors.
SRC said its radars will supply tracking data to General Atomics’ wider system to support these operations, reducing reliance on chase planes or ground observers.
The Q49A provides three-dimensional target position data and can be operated remotely over a network.
Detection data is sent to a central processor that combines sensor inputs.
Installation options include tripods, rooftops, towers, and vehicles.
According to the company, the radar can also monitor air traffic at night and in low-visibility conditions.
SRC is pursuing Federal Communications Commission Part 87 certification to expand the radar’s use in civil aviation.
The company said the Q49A has completed the required compliance testing, but certification remains pending.