Robin IRIS
Robin Radar Systems IRIS is a purpose-built 3D drone detection radar using holographic antenna technology for high-performance counter-UAS surveillance.
System Overview
What It Is
Robin Radar Systems IRIS is a dedicated 3D drone detection radar developed in the Netherlands using patented holographic antenna technology. Designed specifically for the counter-UAS mission, IRIS provides reliable detection, tracking, and classification of small drones in the presence of bird clutter — leveraging Robin Radar's extensive experience in avian radar systems.
How It Works
IRIS uses a rotating antenna with holographic radar technology that provides 3D target measurements including range, azimuth, elevation, and altitude. Advanced classification algorithms — developed from Robin Radar's decades of experience in avian radar — reliably distinguish drones from birds based on flight characteristics, radar cross section, and micro-Doppler signatures. This heritage in bird-drone discrimination is a key differentiator for airport and natural environment deployments.
Primary Capability
3D radar detection and tracking of small UAS using patented holographic radar technology.
Overview
Robin Radar Systems' IRIS radar brings a unique advantage to the counter-UAS sensor market: decades of experience in avian radar technology that translates directly into superior ability to distinguish drones from birds. In environments like airports, nature reserves, and coastal areas where bird clutter creates enormous challenges for drone detection, IRIS's classification heritage provides a significant performance edge over radars designed without this specialized background.
Development History
Robin Radar Systems, based in The Hague, Netherlands, built its reputation on avian detection radar systems used worldwide at airports and wind farms for bird strike prevention. When the counter-UAS market emerged, Robin recognized that the same challenges of detecting small, slow-moving flying objects in the presence of clutter applied to drone detection. The company developed IRIS by applying its holographic radar technology and classification expertise specifically to the counter-UAS mission, creating a radar purpose-built for drone detection.
Operational Concept
IRIS is deployed at sites requiring reliable drone detection with minimal false alarms from bird activity. The radar's 360-degree rotating antenna provides continuous 3D surveillance, detecting and tracking all aerial targets. The classification engine — trained on millions of bird and drone observations — analyzes each target's flight behavior, speed profile, radar cross section, and micro-Doppler characteristics to determine whether it is a bird or a drone. This capability is particularly valuable at airports, where bird populations create high-clutter environments that challenge most radar systems.
Future Development
Robin Radar is developing enhanced IRIS variants with improved detection range, faster scanning rates, and AI-enhanced classification for emerging drone types including fixed-wing and hybrid VTOL platforms. Integration with the growing ecosystem of C-UAS command-and-control platforms and effector systems is a key development priority.
Technical Specifications
- Type: 3D holographic radar
- Detection range: 5+ km (small UAS)
- 360-degree mechanical scanning
- Altitude measurement capability
- Advanced drone classification
- Weatherproof outdoor design
Range
5+ km
Compatible Platforms
Deployed By
Key Features
- Patented holographic radar technology
- 3D detection with altitude measurement
- Advanced bird-drone discrimination
- Purpose-built for counter-UAS mission
- Leverages avian radar heritage
Advantages
- Excellent drone-bird discrimination
- Full 3D tracking with altitude
- Heritage from proven avian radar systems
- Optimized specifically for small drone detection
Limitations
- Sensor only — no defeat capability
- Mechanical rotation limits scan rate
- Moderate detection range
- Niche manufacturer with smaller production scale