Airborne Radar

for Reliable Altitude & Awareness

smartmicro’s radar technology enables accurate altitude measurement and dependable environmental awareness for aerial platforms such as UAVs, helicopters, and specialized aircraft. Independent of visibility and lighting conditions, our solutions ensure stable performance where other sensing technologies reach their limits.

Engineered for Real Flight Conditions

High-precision radar altimeters designed for reliable altitude measurement in low visibility, complex terrain, and rapidly changing flight conditions.

Made in Germany

Unbreakable Design

Low Power Consumption

Available in High Volume and in Full Production

Drone Altimeter

Compact 76–77 GHz radar altimeter for small UAV platforms operating in demanding environments, including GNSS-denied conditions. The sensor is designed for lightweight integration and robust operation, with support for PX4 and Ardupilot ecosystems. It enables reliable altitude measurement with ranges of up to 500 m, depending on configuration and application, and provides both processed altitude data and raw radar data for advanced processing.

Frequency: 76–77 GHz
Range: up to 175m
Best application: Altimetry for small drones and UAVs in GNSS-denied environments

Micro Radar Altimeter

Compact 24 GHz radar altimeter for airborne platforms requiring accurate height measurement under demanding environmental conditions. smartmicro positions it for UAVs, helicopters, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, including VTOL and terrain awareness use cases.

Frequency: 24.0–24.25 GHz
Range: 0.5–500 m
Best application: Altimetry for drones, helicopters, and aircraft

Designed for a wide range of airborne applications

Drone with airborne altimeter

Industrial UAVs

Precise altitude sensing for inspection and survey drones.

Small UAVs & MAVs

Lightweight radar altimeters for compact aircraft.

Helicopters

Reliable altitude awareness during low-level flight.

Fixed-wing aircraft

High-speed flight environments requiring accurate altitude measurements.

Reliable altitude sensing where other sensors fail

Aircraft operating close to the ground require precise and reliable altitude information. Optical and barometric systems can struggle in challenging environments such as fog, dust, snow, or low light.

Radar altimeters measure true height above ground independently of environmental conditions, ensuring safe and reliable operation for airborne platforms.

Works in fog & dust

Works over water

Works in darkness

Easy integration into airborne platforms  

The radar altimeter is designed for easy integration into a wide range of airborne platforms. Its compact, lightweight form factor allows it to be mounted on the belly of an aircraft without significantly affecting weight or aerodynamics. The sensor can operate behind non-conductive materials such as plastic or composite structures, enabling protected or hidden installation within the aircraft structure. With low power consumption and flexible interface options, the radar altimeter can be seamlessly integrated into existing avionics systems for UAVs, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.

Key Advantages

smartmicro radar technology is built to meet the specific demands of airborne operation. The following advantages highlight how our solutions support performance, safety, and integration across aerial platforms.

Reliable in Low Visibility

Maintains accurate altitude measurement in fog, dust, and low-light conditions where optical sensors may be limited.

High-Precision Altitude Data

Delivers stable distance-to-ground measurement required for low-altitude flight, landing support, and terrain-following operations.

Consistent Performance Across Surfaces

Provides dependable readings over water, vegetation, and uneven terrain, ensuring stable operation in changing environments.

Fast Response in Dynamic Flight

Designed to handle rapid altitude changes and high-speed movement, supporting reliable performance during dynamic maneuvers.

Optimized for Airborne Integration

Compact size, low weight, and efficient power consumption support seamless integration into UAVs and other aerial platforms.

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  • Micro Radar Altimeter
  • Drone Altimeter