VK R4D — 4D Obstacle Avoidance Radar

The VK R4D is an advanced 4D obstacle detection radar designed for professional UAVs, agricultural drones, industrial multirotors, VTOL platforms, and autonomous aerial systems.

Combining multidimensional environmental perception, millimeter-wave radar technology, and CAN communication, the R4D provides real-time obstacle information to compatible flight controllers.

Unlike conventional distance-only sensors, its 4D sensing architecture measures distance, horizontal azimuth, vertical elevation, and relative velocity.

This additional information supports more intelligent obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and autonomous flight operations.

Advanced 4D Radar Technology

The R4D uses four-dimensional radar perception to provide detailed information about surrounding obstacles.

Its sensing system combines four measurements:

Distance

Measures the distance between the aircraft and detected obstacles.

Azimuth

Determines the horizontal direction of detected objects.

Elevation

Provides vertical positioning information to help distinguish obstacles from terrain.

Relative Velocity

Measures relative movement between the radar and detected targets.

This multidimensional approach provides more detailed environmental information than conventional single-distance radar systems.

Up to 50 m Detection Range

The R4D offers an effective obstacle detection range of approximately 1–50 m.

Its extended sensing range helps compatible flight controllers identify potential obstacles before the aircraft reaches them.

The radar is intended for detecting environmental features such as trees, walls, poles, and other obstacles.

Actual detection performance depends on obstacle size, material, orientation, environmental conditions, and aircraft configuration.

High-Precision Distance Measurement

The R4D provides distance measurements with a published accuracy of:

±0.1 m

This precision supports obstacle distance monitoring and compatible autonomous navigation functions.

The measurement system is designed for professional UAV applications requiring reliable environmental information during flight.

Intelligent Terrain Filtering

One of the main advantages of 4D radar perception is its ability to distinguish obstacles from terrain features.

By incorporating vertical elevation information, the R4D helps compatible navigation systems differentiate between:

Ground Surface

Vegetation

Terrain Irregularities

Elevated Obstacles

Potential Flight Hazards

This capability can help reduce unnecessary obstacle avoidance maneuvers caused by ground clutter.

Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance

When integrated with a compatible VK flight controller, the R4D provides environmental sensing data for supported obstacle avoidance functions.

Depending on the flight controller and its software configuration, the aircraft can use this information to:

Detect Obstacles

Monitor Obstacle Distance

Adjust Flight Speed

Modify Flight Trajectories

Support Autonomous Navigation

Obstacle avoidance behavior depends on the connected flight controller, firmware, and operating conditions.

CAN Bus Communication

The R4D uses a CAN communication interface for integration with compatible VK flight control systems.

CAN communication provides reliable digital data transmission and improved resistance to electromagnetic interference.

This makes the radar suitable for professional UAV platforms equipped with powerful propulsion systems and multiple onboard electronic devices.

VK V10-PRO Integration

The R4D is documented as compatible with the VK V10-PRO industrial autopilot.

The radar can transmit environmental sensing information to the flight controller for use by supported autonomous navigation functions.

The V10-PRO can combine radar information with aircraft navigation data to support obstacle detection and avoidance.

Compatibility with additional VK controllers depends on their firmware and supported radar interfaces.

Reliable Outdoor Detection

Millimeter-wave radar technology offers advantages in environments where conventional optical sensors may experience reduced performance.

The R4D is designed for applications involving:

Low-Light Conditions

Dusty Environments

Fog

Complex Terrain

Outdoor Industrial Operations

Radar sensing does not depend on visible light, making it useful for professional autonomous applications.

However, detection performance can still be affected by environmental conditions and obstacle characteristics.

Agricultural UAV Applications

The R4D is particularly suitable for agricultural drones operating close to vegetation and uneven terrain.

Potential applications include:

Crop Spraying

Orchard Operations

Agricultural Inspection

Terrain-Following Missions

Autonomous Field Navigation

Obstacle Detection Around Vegetation

Its 4D perception capabilities help provide additional information for navigation in complex agricultural environments.

Industrial UAV Applications

The radar can also be integrated into industrial UAV platforms performing specialized autonomous operations.

Applications include:

Power Line Inspection

Infrastructure Monitoring

Industrial Site Inspection

Mapping and Surveying

Autonomous Logistics

Heavy-Lift UAV Operations

Research and Development

Compact UAV Integration

The R4D features a compact integrated design intended for installation on professional unmanned aircraft.

Its lightweight architecture helps reduce installation requirements compared with systems using multiple separate sensors.

Installation orientation, mounting position, and electrical connections must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Technical Specifications

Product: VK R4D

Brand: VK

Module Type: 4D Obstacle Avoidance Radar

Primary Application: UAV Obstacle Detection / Environmental Perception / Autonomous Navigation

Sensing Technology: 4D Millimeter-Wave Radar

Perception Dimensions: Distance / Azimuth / Elevation / Relative Velocity

Detection Range: 1–50 m

Distance Measurement Accuracy: ±0.1 m

Obstacle Detection: Supported

Terrain Clutter Filtering: Supported

Relative Velocity Measurement: Supported

Autonomous Obstacle Avoidance: Supported with Compatible Flight Controller

Communication Interface: CAN Bus

Documented Flight Controller Compatibility: VK V10-PRO

Additional VK Compatibility: Subject to Firmware and Hardware Configuration

Radar Operating Frequency: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Horizontal Field of View: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Vertical Field of View: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Update Rate: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Input Voltage: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Power Consumption: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Operating Temperature Range: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Protection Rating: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Dimensions: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

Weight: Manufacturer Confirmation Required

What’s Included

1× VK R4D 4D Obstacle Avoidance Radar

Connection cables, mounting hardware, and additional accessories depend on the selected commercial package.

Flight controller, battery, power management equipment, and other UAV components are not included unless explicitly specified.

The R4D requires a compatible VK flight controller and appropriate software configuration for autonomous obstacle avoidance functions.

The published 50 m detection range and ±0.1 m accuracy represent reference specifications. Actual performance depends on installation and operating conditions.

Obstacle detection systems do not guarantee collision-free flight. Appropriate operational precautions and aircraft configuration remain essential.