Mathematical model of signals in acoustic UAV detection systems

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30837/rt.2026.1.224.15

Keywords:

UAV, acoustic detection, microphone array, TDOA, mathematical modelling, atmospheric absorption, scattering, image source method

Abstract

A mathematical model of acoustic signals in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection systems is developed. The model takes into account the main factors of sound propagation in the atmosphere, including geometric spreading, frequency-dependent absorption, scattering on atmospheric inhomogeneities, meteorological conditions, and multipath propagation caused by ground reflections.

A signal model at the outputs of a microphone array is proposed, considering time delays, amplitude attenuation, and the presence of acoustic interference. The reflected signal is modeled using the image source method. Signal processing is performed in a sliding time window, which allows accounting for signal non-stationarity and the Doppler effect.

Numerical simulation is carried out using real acoustic recordings of a Mavic UAV and background noise generated by road traffic. The simulated signals are used to test a localization algorithm based on the time difference of arrival (TDOA) method.

The results confirm the adequacy of the proposed model and its applicability to UAV detection and localization tasks. It is shown that for a signal-to-noise ratio of 10–15 dB, the localization error does not exceed 10%, with the largest deviations observed in elevation angle estimation.

References

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Sheiko, S., Shafronenko, E., & Shapovalov, S. (2026). Mathematical model of signals in acoustic UAV detection systems. Radiotekhnika, (224), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.30837/rt.2026.1.224.15

Issue

No. 224 (2026): Radiotekhnika

Section

Articles

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