The EchoShield system from Echodyne is a medium-range, software-defined, pulse-doppler, cognitive 4D radar developed for radionavigation and radiolocation applications. The system operates in the Ku-band between 15.4 and 16.6 GHz and is based on a Cognitive Metamaterials Electronically Steered Array (MESA) architecture, supporting airspace, ground, and coastal deployments.
The radar uses a dense arrangement of transmit and receive elements to generate high-resolution spatial data. According to the technical description, this data is intended to support sensor fusion, command-and-control interfaces, and other intelligent systems by delivering a decluttered output enriched with metadata on tracked objects. High-speed data output allows the radar to cue optical sensors and support the precise direction of mitigation platforms.
Emphasis on Angular Accuracy
The system design places greater emphasis on angular accuracy than on maximum range, reflecting the operational challenges associated with low-altitude and slow-moving aerial objects. These targets often move unpredictably and operate in cluttered airspace, requiring bearing precision to maintain stable tracks and enable downstream systems to remain aligned with the target.
EchoShield is specified to achieve angular tracking accuracy of less than 0.5 degrees in both azimuth and elevation. This performance level supports consistent tracking of multiple objects within complex scenes, with the system configured to manage hundreds of tracks while maintaining a 10 Hz update rate.
Cognitive and Software-Defined Operation
EchoShield applies cognitive radar principles through software-defined waveform generation and agile beam scheduling. The radar can be configured through software to adjust waveform characteristics, field of view, and resource allocation to match mission requirements. These adjustments are performed without physical modification to the system, enabling rapid adaptation to changing operational needs.
The electronically steered array supports a field of view of 130 degrees in azimuth and 90 degrees in elevation, allowing the radar to search large volumes of airspace while maintaining precise measurement data for tracking and classification.
Deployment Flexibility
The radar is designed for fixed, portable, and on-the-move deployments. It supports ground, coastal, and airspace surveillance in static and portable configurations, as well as mobile counter-unmanned aerial system operations. For on-the-move use, the system includes a dedicated kinematics interface to align radar data with platform navigation systems and integrate with other sensors and effectors.
Multiple EchoShield units can be integrated using EchoWare software, which presents deployed radars as a single operational instance across domains and mission types.
Performance and Specifications
EchoShield is designed with small size, weight, and power requirements. The radar measures approximately 42.5 × 33 × 18 centimeters and operates on a 20 to 33 VDC power supply. It is rated for operation from -40°C to +65°C, features IP67 weather protection, and complies with MIL-STD-810H environmental standards.
Control and data interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet for control, high-rate Ethernet outputs for range-doppler spectrograms, and additional Ethernet channels for detections, measurements, tracks, and radar status data.
Tracking Capability and Applications
The system is specified to track more than 1,000 objects of interest simultaneously. Typical tracking ranges for unmanned aircraft vary by size category, extending from approximately 3 kilometers for small systems to beyond 12 kilometers for larger platforms. For perimeter surveillance missions, detection ranges exceed 9 kilometers for human movement and 12 kilometers for vehicles.
Based on these characteristics, EchoShield supports applications including 3D security, counter-UAS and counter-drone operations, base and asset security, public safety, border security, and drone detection missions.