Aurora Flight Sciences and Socionext Designs Radar Flight Control Module (RFCM)

            Small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) require collision avoidance systems that
are not only effective at sensing and avoiding obstacles and other aircraft, but that also
are light enough that they do not affect the vehicle’s stability or its flight time. The 
Radar Flight Control Module (RFCM), currently in development through a joint effort 
between Aurora Flight Sciences and Socionext Designs, may be the perfect device for 
the job.

            The RFCM’s biggest asset is its size. The unit packs a twenty-four gigahertz 
radar and range measurement software into a single chip barely bigger than a nickel 
(Smith, 2018). That’s not an exaggeration, as the picture below demonstrates:

According to Smith (2018), the module can detect “multiple objects, objects in 
open spaces, target distance and speed, and more…”, making it more than suitable 
for typical sUAS flight. Smith (2018) goes on to state that the RFCM has a very 
simple interface, allowing it to be integrated with a wide variety of drone types, not 
just UAVs. For our purposes, it is enough to note that the nickel-sized radar can be 
fitted to just about any commercially available UAV, and substantially increase the 
safety of operation for that UAV.

            I haven’t been able to find any specific numbers on the weight or power 
requirements of the RFCM; since it still in development, it is not surprising that the 
developers want to keep that information under wraps. However, its small footprint 
has already been noted, and it can be safely assumed that the unit does not drain a 
significant amount of power in order to operate. This is a critical consideration, given 
that forty minutes of flight time is considered long by commercial UAV standards 
(Rees, 2018).

            The two companies are drawing from a tremendous amount of native 
industrial knowledge in order to develop the system. Aurora Flight Sciences is a 
subsidiary of Boeing and specializes in development of autonomous aircraft, while 
Socionext Designs specializes in “system-on-chip products” (Smith, 2018). “System 
on chip” is exactly what it sounds like, and exactly what the RFCM is: a complete, 
functioning system, miniaturized and contained on a small chip. Given the pedigree of 
the developing companies, it can be safe to assume that the radar will work as 
advertised once finally revealed.

            Collision avoidance is becoming more and more critical as more and more 
commercial drones take to the skies. Commercial drones, especially those of the small, 
recreational variety, fly fast and high and can easily cause accidents if measures are not 
taken to safeguard both them and the environment around them. The Aurora Flight Sciences/Socionext Radar Flight Control Module may be the best solution to this 
problem. A radar on a chip, it is small enough to fit the smallest of UAVs but 
powerful enough to ensure safe flight. Only time will tell if the RFCM will perform 
as advertised, but if it does, it may make the skies a whole lot safer.

 References

Smith, P. (2018). Aurora Flight Sciences and Socionext develop collision detection system for  

     

     drones. Retrieved from https://dronebelow.com/2018/01/31/aurora-flight-sciences-socionext-

     

     develop-collision-detection-system-drones/

Rees, M. (2018). New commercial quadcopter UAV features 40-minute flight time. Retrieved

     

     from https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2018/04/new-commercial-quadcopter-

     

     uav-features-40-minute-flight-time/