Drone RCS Statistical Behaviour and its Implications for Agriculture Drones Air Traffic Management

This paper explores UAS (copter-type drone) radar cross-section behaviour impactingdrone traffic control support by independent surveillance. The proliferationof drone traffic worldwide includes agriculture and state challenges in airspacesafety. Dependent surveillance based on data communication is susceptiveto cyber-attacks and should be augmented by more reliable methods. Primaryradars are capable of providing relevant data for safety enforcement. Radar observationis challenged by small RCSs, influenced by copter flight behaviour.The paper further presents the measurement and analysis results of several UAVRadar Cross Sections (RCS), focusing on different flight parameters, such aspitch and roll. Understanding RCS statistical behaviour is crucial for primary radardrone detection. Insights into RCS fluctuations can enhance drone surveillanceand drone traffic control for agricultural applications.