Advanced Radar Concepts For Small (Tier I/II) RPAs

ABSTRACT: Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR) is a fundamental and proven component of Department of Defenses (DoD) Battlefield Awareness. Advanced radar systems on large remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) include Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicators (GMTI). The ability to identify and track vehicles and dismounts has become a key focus. Small (< 10 lb) radars with SAR imaging capabilities exist for RPAs, but GMTI capabilities are not yet available on Tier I/II programs of record. Incorporating dismount detection and tracking capabilities into small RPAs will be a significant force multiplier and improve the tactical commanders Battlefield Awareness and is the focus of this Advanced Radar Concepts for Small RPAs program. The Advanced Radar Concepts for Small RPAs Phase I program clearly demonstrates the feasibility of innovative approaches needed to bridge the gap between advanced weapon system radars and small Size Weight & Power (SWaP) radar systems that can operate on Tier I/II programs of record RPAs. The objective of Phase II is to mature small SWaP GMTI technology and demonstrate real-time GMTI radar capabilities within the stringent SWaP constraints of these Teir I/II RPAs. BENEFIT: GMTI and dismount detection radar is a force multiplier that will help the tactical commander to dispel the fog of war and the uncertainty of ever changing battlefield conditions. Pushing this important and proven technology down to the smallest RPAs will provide accurate and timely situational awareness information to commanders of forward operational bases and the small tactical units critical for the protection of personnel and concentration of force. Moreover, agencies responsible for border patrol, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations will benefit from this technology. GMTI will improve their ability to efficiently search and patrol large areas. They will be able to concentrate their efforts where it is most needed while minimizing risk to personnel.