Affordable miniaturized SAR for tactical UAV applications

George R. Sloan; Dale F Dubbert

doi:10.1117/12.541564

30 August 2004 Affordable miniaturized SAR for tactical UAV applications

George R. Sloan, Dale F Dubbert

Proceedings Volume 5409, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541564
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Sandia’s fielded and experimental SAR systems are well known for their real time, high resolution imagery. Previous designs, such as the Lynx radar, have been successfully demonstrated on medium-payload UAVs, including Predator and Fire Scout. However, fielding a high performance SAR sensor on even smaller (sub-50 pound payload) UAVs will require at least a 5x reduction in size, weight, and cost. This paper gives an overview of Sandia’s system concept and roadmap for near-term SAR miniaturization. Specifically, the “miniSAR” program, which plans to demonstrate a 25 pound system with 4 inch resolution in early 2005, is detailed. Accordingly, the conceptual approach, current status, design tradeoffs, and key facilitating technologies are reviewed. Lastly, future enhancements and directions are described, such as the follow-on demonstration of a sub-20 pound version with multi-mode (SAR/GMTI) capability.

Citation Download Citation

George R. Sloan and Dale F Dubbert "Affordable miniaturized SAR for tactical UAV applications", Proc. SPIE 5409, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications, (30 August 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541564

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