Raider Technologies is revolutionizing radar and communication systems. Founded by Aaron Jones, a seasoned technologist with over 15 years of research and development experience, this company addresses critical infrastructure needs with its innovative technology.
“Raider Technologies is at the forefront of addressing critical infrastructure needs in unmanned traffic management (UTM), advanced air mobility (AAM), and shared spectrum for global smart cities through its innovative low cost, size, weight and power (C-SWaP) joint radar and communications technology,” explains Jones. “Raider leverages a unique frequency diverse array radar architecture that is significantly lower in cost and complexity for acquisition, detection, and tracking of targets.”
The inspiration for the company’s name reflects its bold technology, drawn from the new B-21 Raider, an advanced stealth bomber platform developed by the United States Air Force, and the Doolittle Raiders, a group of World War II aviators known for their daring raid on Tokyo. Raider Technologies’ traces its roots to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which supported the company’s establishment through the Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program (EOP). This program pairs entrepreneurs with advanced lab-developed technology to explore the viability of startups focused on transitioning tech for dual-purpose use.
Raider Technologies’ journey began with identifying a critical need for low-cost, high-capability sensors to support the infrastructure buildout for autonomous air and ground ecosystems. This led to the development of their unique frequency-diverse array (FDA) radar architecture. Raider’s continuous wave radar provides highly affordable, accurate range, angle, and Doppler targeting capabilities, which are essential for the safe operation of autonomous systems.
“The Raider radar is a special type of continuous wave radar that can be affordably produced and is lower in peak power than typical pulsed radar due to its simpler generation of transmit signals than existing radar systems,” says Jones.
Raider Technologies is a client of the Entrepreneurs’ Center. The EC provided invaluable support, offering expert feedback on business plans, facilitating market research, and advising on capital-raising strategies.
“Raider has significantly benefited from a robust partnership with the EC. Their comprehensive support spans several critical areas of our business,” Jones shares. “They have provided expert feedback on our business plan and pro-forma, facilitated in-depth market research, and advised on capital-raising strategies. Their guidance has been essential in aligning our products with market demand and operational capabilities. Additionally, the EC has enhanced our operational efficiency by providing access to co-working spaces, which Raider uses weekly for project work and customer meetings.”
The successful demonstration of their joint radar-communications concepts in March 2024 marked a significant milestone, positioning the company for further development and market entry. Raider’s commitment to cost-effective, reliable, integrated radar and communication systems is evident in their ongoing efforts to monitor FAA guidelines for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, a crucial factor in advancing their product deployment.
“Raider is focused on getting our products out to market and excited to get into test sites and prove our superior performance at affordable price points for UTM, cUAS, and AAM,” notes Jones. “Our primary concern revolves around the regulatory framework for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. We are eagerly watching the FAA for the forthcoming round of guidance.”
As Raider Technologies looks to the future, the company is entering an exciting phase of growth and expansion. With plans to broaden its team and enhance its product offerings, Raider is poised to become a key player in the development of urban air mobility infrastructure, not just in the United States but globally.
“Our vision is to be a critical participant in the urban air mobility infrastructure buildout,” Jones states. “By focusing on the needs of our customers and continually improving our technology, we aim to lead the way in radar and communication systems. This will ensure safe and efficient monitoring and control of the vast airspace where trillions of advanced air mobility flights are expected annually.”
For more information about Raider Technologies, visit their website.
About Raider Technologies
Raider Technologies is an innovative leader in radar and communication systems, specializing in low-cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) constrained solutions. Inspired by the advanced B-21 Raider platform and the legendary Doolittle Raiders, the company was founded as a spin-off from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) through the Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program (EOP). Raider Technologies leverages a unique frequency diverse array (FDA) radar architecture to provide affordable, high-performance sensing capabilities essential for urban traffic management (UTM), advanced air mobility (AAM), counter unmanned aerial systems (cUAS) and shared spectrum applications.
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) drives economic growth and prosperity by championing entrepreneurship. With a mission to empower innovators, the EC annually collaborates with over 1,000 entrepreneurs, catalyzing the creation of businesses, job opportunities, revenue streams, and investments. Offering a suite of professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment, the EC serves as a beacon for both main street and technology enterprises. Anchored by a dedicated team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff, the EC orchestrates world-class business acceleration programs in collaboration with corporations, academic institutions, and government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense, from its headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank within the historic Dayton Arcade.