Arduino-Based Automatic Radar Target Detection and Smart Missile Launcher System: A Review

Abstract

The increasing demand for autonomous tactical defense mechanisms has accelerated the development of low-cost, embedded target acquisition and automated launcher systems. Modern point-defense architectures rely on rapid spatial scanning, real-time target locking, and computerized firing actuation to minimize operational latency [4], [13]. In recent years, combining microcontrollers, ultrasonic distance sensors, dual-axis (pan-tilt) servo platforms, high-voltage arc igniter modules, and serial visualization interfaces has created accessible pathways for prototyping short-range radar defense platforms [2], [4]. Ultrasonic sensors mounted on sweeping servo mechanisms perform angular spatial scanning to detect intruders and calculate polar target coordinates, while embedded control logic evaluates proximity thresholds to align the launcher platform and initiate electrical ignition [2], [18]. This review presents recent developments in Arduino-based radar target detection and automated missile launcher systems, directly mirroring hardware configurations utilizing Arduino Uno microcontrollers, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors, pan-tilt servo motors, high-voltage arc pulse igniters, and ESP32 wireless communication modules [11], [12], [13]. Furthermore, this review identifies critical technical research gaps, particularly the lack of closed-loop feedback in low-cost servo actuation, vulnerability of ultrasonic sensing to environmental noise, and the absence of integrated embedded TinyML threat filtering with high-voltage ignition safety interlocks within a single hardware platform. Finally, future research directions for robust, field-deployable automated defense prototypes are outlined [4], [12].