11/01/2003 - Celldar

Is this why so many base sations seem to emit more power than is necessary for an adequate mobile phone network?

CELLDAR™ utilises the radar frequencies associated with the current mobile telephone transmissions (GSM 900, 1800 and 1900) and future transmissions (3G).

BAE SYSTEMS and Roke Manor Research are teaming to develop in depth the concept of CELLphone raDAR - CELLDAR™ - to provide a revolutionary, totally covert and innovative approach to the detection of moving air, land and sea-based objects, maturing a technology which will significantly enhance military capabilities such as air warfare and Homeland Defence (including tracking people and vehicles).

The two companies have signed an agreement to fund the development of the technology, already successfully developed by Roke Manor Research, exploiting the latter's in-depth knowledge of cellphone technology through its pivotal role within Siemens, a world leader in this market place, in enabling R & D.

CELLDAR™ uses extended multi-static radar detection and data processing for the tracking, identification and cueing of objects moving in cellphone fields. The massive world-wide investment in cellphone technology and the ability to exploit the extensive electromagnetic fields created presents the opportunity for CELLDAR™ to offer high-performance, long-range, low-cost detection of objects moving in space in real time to user communities. CELLDAR™ utilises the radar frequencies associated with the current mobile telephone transmissions (GSM 900, 1800 and 1900) and future transmissions (3G).

The capability of the technology extends across all domains and will be a key enabler in future Command & Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions. It encompasses - for instance - the detection of moving vehicles or helicopters in foliage; of small maritime objects, such as periscopes; and even aircraft which would otherwise be invisible to traditional mono-static or bi-static radars through the exploitation of stealth technology.

Is this why so many base sations seem to emit more power than is necessary for an adequate mobile phone network?