Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR)

Research for defense and security

Photorealistic aerial images, high-precision measurements of satellite orbits, a look beneath the Earth's surface,  air surveillance through the utilization of TV and radio stations – just a few examples of the remarkable capabilities of radar. Due to its unique capabilities – independence from weather and daylight, long-range, high sensitivity to range rate changes and the generation of high resolution images – radar is now an indispensable tool for military and civilian applications.

The Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR has focused on the fine-tuning of existing radar systems and the development of groundbreaking new radar technology for over 50 years and has therefore shaped the history of radar for more than half of the time that has passed since it was first patented by Christian Hülsmeyer in 1904.

The Institute

The Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR develops concepts, methods and systems for electromagnetic sensor technology, particularly radars, implementing modern methods of signal processing and innovative technologies, ranging from microwaves to the lower end of the terahertz band. With a budget of €32.5 million in 2015 and more than 300 employees, Fraunhofer FHR is one of the largest radar research institutes in Europe.

Radar and related high-frequency systems form a key technology for defense and security, particularly in the field of reconnaissance and surveillance. FHR has supported the German Ministry of Defense in this field since the foundation of the institute in 1957. In Germany, the institute has played a pioneering role in the development of new technologies for numerous applications: e.g. space reconnaissance with radar, multi-function radar systems with phased array antennas, adaptive interference suppression, millimeter wave techniques, ultra-high resolution radar imaging, moving target recognition with space-time filtering, target classification and passive radar.

The most valued competencies of Fraunhofer FHR – numerical calculation of electromagnetic fields, high-frequency technology and sensor signal processing – enable the institute to design, develop and implement complex high-frequency systems, executing each step in-house. Fraunhofer FHR unites leading edge technology with sophisticated methods of signal processing to devise new types of system. This is accomplished by the interdisciplinary collaboration of physicists, engineers and mathematicians. The activities in the business units Defense, Space, Traffic, Environment, Security and Production constitute concrete examples of innovative applications that are being implemented in many areas of society.