Passive Radar Network for UAP Detection: An Engineer's Vision

Passive Radar Technology Explained

• 💡 Passive radar utilizes existing FM radio signals, unlike active radar which transmits its own pulses.
• 📡 This method involves using a network of software-defined radios (SDRs) as receivers to detect echoes from objects in the sky.
• 💰 SDRs are inexpensive, with the goal of making them available for around $500 per unit, enabling a widespread, citizen-powered network.

The Skywatch Network Concept

• 🌐 Mitch Randall envisions a nationwide mesh network of approximately 10,000 receivers spaced 30 km apart to cover the entire United States.
• 🤝 This network is designed to be citizen-powered, making it accessible and operable by the public.
• 📱 The system aims to track objects up to 80 km in altitude and 150 km in range, focusing on anomalous kinematics (motion, velocity, acceleration, trajectory).

Advantages Over Active Radar

• 🛰️ Passive radar is more reliable as it doesn't depend on a single transmitter and is receive-only, making it less complicated.
• ⚡ It offers a significant advantage in average power compared to active radar, using the high-wattage signals from FM transmitters.
• 🎯 While active radar faces political hurdles for data access, passive radar offers a potential workaround for civilian UAP tracking.

Detecting Stealth and Anomalous Objects

• ✈️ The system is capable of detecting objects like Cessna aircraft at significant distances.
• ⚠️ While advanced stealth capabilities could pose a challenge, the network aims to detect the 10% of objects that may not be in stealth mode.
• 💨 It can distinguish between conventional objects and potential UAPs by accurately measuring velocity, position, acceleration, and trajectory, which humans cannot replicate.

Citizen Science and Future Applications

• 📸 Randall's ultimate goal is Operation Skywatch, combining the passive radar network with a video app to notify citizens of approaching anomalies.
• 📊 The data collected would be open-source, allowing real-time viewing and verification by the public.
• 💰 Funding for the $5 million development cost is sought through philanthropy, as it's not a for-profit venture.

Addressing UAP Evidence and Scientific Skepticism

• 🔬 Randall believes that while traditional science struggles with the repeatability of rare UAP events, passive radar offers a path to controlled experiments.
• ❓ He personally believes "they're here" based on the volume and nature of UAP evidence, citing trust in individuals like Commander Fraver.
• ☁️ The system can differentiate radar returns from clouds (anomalous propagation) versus solid objects, providing more reliable data for UAP investigations.