Echodyne Seeks Waiver for Ground-Based Device That Detects Drones

Echodyne asked the FCC for waiver so it can offer a device that makes ground-based use of the 24.45-24.65 GHz aeronautical radio navigation band. Echodyne originally intended to offer equipment that would operate as an airborne detect-and-avoid radar, consistent with the rules for the band. But industry and government customers want to use the band for ground-based security and surveillance (SSR), Echodyne said in docket 17-352. “This interest has been so strong that Echodyne has created a version of the radar optimized for ground-based use, the EchoGuard,” the company said. “This ground-based SSR radar can scan for drones in the air and vehicles and people on the ground.” This detect-and-alert role for the band “is complementary to the existing service allocation in the band and will not interfere with Echodyne’s use of the band for radionavigation,” the company said.