A Milestone Achievement: Chinese Radar Altimeters Enter U.S. General Aviation

2018-02-26

Abstract

In early 2018, amid New Year celebrations, Nanoradec’s supply chain was busy shipping a package to the United States. Inside was the NRA24 Radar Altimeter, designed for private manned aircraft. This delivery marked a significant milestone: a Chinese radar product meeting international standards for performance and reliability in the demanding U.S. aviation market.

Why would the United States, a global leader in radar technology (with systems like Patriot, THAAD, and Aegis), turn to China for small-scale radar? The answer lies in the rapid growth of American general aviation and the unique advantages of Nanoradec’s technology.

The U.S. General Aviation Boom
The U.S. dominates global general aviation, with over 300,000 aircraft serving roles from executive travel and flight training to aerial surveying and air taxis. Key statistics:

250,000+ private pilots

20,000 airports (mostly privately or community-owned)

70% of the world’s private aircraft operate in the U.S.

The Critical Role of Altimeters
Altimeters measure aircraft altitude, traditionally using barometric pressure (displayed in feet). However, weather-induced pressure fluctuations limit their accuracy.