What is a Low SWaP Radar?
A low SWaP radar is a radar system with a small size, low weight, and minimal power needs. In other words, it is designed to be compact and energy-efficient. This type of radar works well for a wide range of needs, including airspace deconfliction for airborne UAVs and many defense applications.
A related term, low SWaP-C radar, refers to low-SWaP radar that is also low-cost. The affordability makes low SWaP-C radar an option for many non-military audiences, including utility sites, public safety teams, and correctional facilities that need to watch out for incoming contraband.
Advantages of Low SWaP Radar
Not all low SWaP radars perform equally, but all have the advantage of a small footprint and relatively low power needs. Many small radars perform well enough to detect ground threats at commercial sites where the risk of detrimental harm is low.
For sites where risk demands comprehensive and exacting protection, Echodyne’s proprietary metamaterials ESA (MESA®) technology offers a range and precision advantage for tracking both ground and air threats. This type of low SWaP-C radar is far superior for drone detection, early warnings, distinction between targets, and intruder classification. It can detect multiple threats at the same time, including dark drones, drone swarms, and hovering drones — all of which are concerns when criminals intend surveillance, sabotage, espionage, or physical harm to people or places.
For Military Applications
In military operations, low and ultra-low SWaP radar systems provide critical situational awareness without adding operational burden. Man-portable and man-packable radars are force multipliers for small units conducting mobile or dismounted missions—enabling teams to detect and track aerial or ground-based threats without compromising mobility. Lightweight radar with low power draw extends mission duration, reduces battery resupply needs, and supports operations in austere or off-grid environments. Whether deployed for expeditionary surveillance, tactical perimeter security, or rapid response missions, low SWaP radar equips warfighters with the real-time intelligence needed to move faster, see farther, and decide smarter.
For Commercial Applications
In commercial and public safety settings, low SWaP-C radar redefines what’s possible for modern situational awareness. Once cost-prohibitive, radar is now a viable and scalable option for organizations building layered, risk-informed security architectures. From public safety teams to critical infrastructure operators and correctional facilities, the growing threat of drones—including dark drones, autonomous swarms, and low-signature platforms—demands a new approach to detection.
Low SWaP-C radar provides precisely the kind of persistent, all-weather, multi-domain visibility that traditional sensors struggle to deliver. These compact, power-efficient systems are easy to deploy, integrate, and scale—making them ideal for addressing coverage gaps, expanding surveillance perimeters, and enabling dynamic response. Whether used as standalone sensors or part of a multi-sensor ecosystem, low SWaP-C radars deliver the real-time intelligence required to detect, classify, and track airborne and ground-based threats with precision and reliability.
Low SWaP radar is also essential for unmanned aircraft, especially aircraft with limited space and/or weight carrying capacity. The reduced power usage allows for longer flight times. Low SWaP radar such as EchoFlight® have already helped aircraft like the American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI) AiRanger aircraft get FAA approval for proposed commercial operations.
Ultra-Low SWaP Radar Example: EchoGuard®
EchoGuard® is an ultra-low SWaP-C radar that is designed for shorter-range security needs. Weighing 1.25 kg in a 20.3 cm x 16.3 cm x 5.7 cm format, this radar operates at 50 W and needs less than 10 W for hot standby.
That compact format does not get in the way of performance. EchoGuard® can spot an SUAV as small as the Phantom 4 over 1 km away and a vehicle 3.5 km away, which is ideal for most perimeter security needs. It has a 120° azimuth x 80° elevation field of view and provides data with excellent track accuracy, within < 1° azimuth x < 1.5° elevation.
Low SWaP Radar Example: EchoShield®
While larger than EchoGuard®, EchoShield® also falls squarely into the low SWaP-C radar category. The modest increase in size, weight, and power reflects a significant boost in range and capability. EchoShield measures 42.9 cm × 32.9 cm × 18.7 cm, weighs 19.2 kg, and operates from a +20 to +33 VDC supply. It draws under 100 W in hot standby and up to 250 W in active mode.
That efficient footprint supports a range of demanding missions. EchoShield delivers medium-range detection and tracking: humans beyond 9.4 km, vehicles past 12.5 km; Group 3 drones up to 12.5 km, Group 2 up to 7.2 km, and Group 1 up to 5.3 km. Its expansive 130° azimuth × 90° elevation field of view, with sub‑0.5° angular accuracy in both axes and a 10 Hz track update rate, ensures precision in complex environments. EchoShield supports over 1,000 simultaneous object tracks and operates across the Ku‑band (15.4–16.6 GHz), offering dense spatial data ideal for cueing sensors, cueing effectors, and enriching multi‑sensor fusion.
These specs make EchoGuard® and EchoShield® reliable choices for many use cases, especially when it is combined with the right accessories: