LR-D1: UAV Long-Range Radar Altimeter
The LR-D1 is one of our newest products in our line of radar offerings! This is a long-range radar altimeter that provides accuracy in all environments and weather conditions, even under the most adverse and low-visibility scenarios. The LR-D1 is ideal for larger UAVs (85kg+), helicopters, and for tactical missions that require enhanced capabilities, especially in rugged conditions. It’s also a must-have for advanced UAVs with autonomous takeoff and landing requirements.
Common UAS Challenges
- Barometers are not accurate at low altitude
- Laser altimeters don’t work in all environments
- GPS sensor accuracy varies by GPS signal strength
Our UAS Solution
- LR-D1 is accurate up to 500m
- LR-D1 is a radar altimeter so it works in all weather
- LR-D1 is able to rely on itself
Why Choose The LR-D1 Radar Altimeter?
- Rugged Design: A robust enclosure makes this altimeter ideal for most heavy-duty or tactical UAS applications
- Reliable Measurements at High Altitude: Large bandwidth allows for greater precision
- Designed for Industrial UAV’s: Built for large, high-speed aircraft
Common Integration Applications
- Industrial UAVs (85kg+)
- Advanced take-off & landing
- Tactical or ruggedized applications
- Reconnaissance & surveillance
- Aerial targets
- Geophysical surveying & terrain mapping
- Defense drones
- Ultra-heavy lift drones for water or cargo
| Frequency Band | 24 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Power Consumption | <11W |
| Operating Voltage | 10 – 30 V |
| Altitude Range | 0.7m – 500m |
| Altitude Precision | 0.365m |
| Update Rate | 40 Hz |
| Field of View | 43° Azimuth 30° Elevation |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C ~ +60°C |
| Dimensions | 112mm x 102.5mm x 29mm |
| Weight | 300g |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
The LR-D1 has not yet been FCC certified according to FCC Part 15 standards or received the CE marking.
Ainstein components are ITAR free, and do not classify under the US Munitions List governed by the State Department. Our units ship from the US with an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) of EAR99, No License Required. For export, our HS Tariff Code is 8526.10.0000.
Integration assistance includes 6 hours of dedicated customer support from Ainstein’s engineering team, which includes diagnosing and troubleshoot customer technical problems, resolving internal technical issues in software, and training customers in use of the product. A customer’s first purchase of the LR-D1 includes this integration assistance.
The US-D1 has a maximum range of 500 meters. Other specifications can be found on the LR-D1 page.
The LR-D1 is manufactured to an IP rating of IP67 and has been tested to that standard by our manufacturing team. Pursuing IP67 certification by a third party is on our roadmap, but it has not yet been completed.
Altitudes below 0.7m are within the LR-D1’s blind zone, meaning it is unable to detect distance accurately. Attempting to do so will result in measurements that are volatile and have a low accompanying signal-to-noise ratio.
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measure used in science and engineering that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. SNR is defined as the ratio of signal power to the noise power, often expressed in decibels. A ratio higher than 1:1 (greater than 0 dB) indicates more signal than noise.
When using the US-D1 according to the instructions provided in the user manual, a SNR of more than 13 dB is indicative of a high-confidence measurement of the radar’s ability to detect the altitude.
The LR-D1 records both the altitude measurement and a corresponding signal-to-noise ratio measurement with an update rate of 100 Hz. Every measured altitude is recorded with it’s SNR. The signal to noise ratio can be used to validate the integrity of an altitude reading. We typically consider a signal-to-noise ratio of less that 13 dB as a low-confidence measurement.
The LR-D1 also outputs an error code when other factors might be affecting the measurement, such as saturation error at low altitudes. More details about this can be found in the LR-D1 User Manual.
The output is primarily the result of the proximity and size of the object detected, but it is also influenced by the material of the object detected and the angle at which the signal is reflecting from the object.
The radar is ultimately designed to detect the distance to the ground below when the ground is the main object in its field of view, and when the radar is facing the ground/water. Other objects in the field of view can cause measurement errors.
Yes, the LR-D1 has been flight tested at 200 m/s and encountered no issues at these speeds. The LR-D1 was designed to be unaffected by extreme operating conditions such as high flight speeds, high bank angled turns, and sharp changes in altitude.
Yes, there is a bench test software application that can be provided upon request. Please email support@ainstein.ai for more information.
When mounting the device, the front face of the LR-D1 must be perpendicular to the
ground below the aircraft. The device should be secured to the aircraft, where it is not free to move in any direction. Make sure to mount it in a location where the field of view will be from from any unexpected objects that could cause interference with the proper operation of the aircraft. More details about mounting and integration of the LR-D1 can be found in the LR-D1 User Manual.
Ainstein releases new firmware versions for the LR-D1 intermittently improve the performance of the device. When you purchase a unit, it will come with the latest firmware. Only older units require firmware updates.
The details for how to upgrade your US-D1’s firmware can be found in the LR-D1 User Manual. This firmware update process does not require any additional hardware.
Two LR-D1 units operating at the same frequency have the possibility of causing interference, which affects the reliability of the altitude measurement. If you would like to operate two units side-by-side, please contact us directly at support@ainstein.ai for help.
In most cases the LR-D1 cannot detect through carbon fiber. At low thicknesses, the LR-D1 may be able to detect through fiberglass. Generally milllimeter wave radar cannot see through solid surfaces with accuracy because the beams spread when they hit solid objects, which can create false positives. Also, solid surfaces can absorb radar waves depending on what material they are made of. It is most advisable to keep the LR-D1’s field of view free from any objects.
Yes, operating the LR-D1 in an indoor environment will be much more likely to cause multi-path reflections. It may cause erroneously high altitude measurements as a result of this. Testing outdoors and in flight is the best way to ascertain the radar’s performance in your application.
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LR-D1 Use Cases
Success Stories
“We at Jetpack Aviation are very excited to implement Ainstein’s radar altimeter technology in our Jetpacks because there is no other technology out there that will give us such an accurate and responsive measurement no matter what surface we are flying over. Our main goal is to keep our JetPack as light and compact as possible and Ainstein’s radar altimeter fits perfectly with our vision.”
Boris Jarry
Operations Manager, JetPack Aviation, Inc.
“Ainstein has shown the technical capabilities and commitment to customize industry-leading solutions for Bobcat. We look forward to a strong partnership to bring the latest innovation to empower our customers to accomplish more.”
Joel Honeyman
Vice President of Global Innovation , Doosan Bobcat North America
“I’ve been very satisfied with Ainstein’s radar products. Ainstein is the only drone radar provider on the market with high performance and low price in a single package. I don’t see any other manufacturers with the same capabilities and value.”
Hideki Shibata
UAS Chief Engineer, YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A.