Improvements in Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Detection Through Multi-band Imaging

The objective of this Phase I SBIR is to develop an enhanced Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) capability through the development of a dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a single aperture. Advancements in sensor technology have lead to increases in both quality and quantity of SAR and detection and ranging systems. Working at different wavelengths, each system has unique attributes to apply to various ISR applications. In particular, SAR systems allow for efficient scanning of large regions in nearly all weather conditions. And, if lower frequency SAR systems are used, i.e. VHF or UHF, these systems can provide modest ground penetration capabilities. On the other hand, the high frequencies wide bandwidth systems (L/C/X) provide fine resolution as well as range information. In addition, combining temporal information through change detection (CD) allows for further improvements in performance. The goal of this effort is to develop a sensor that can combine the advantages and strength of two distinct frequency bands to produce high valued intelligence that augments the capability of any one single sensor application. In this topic the research of interest is to combine the foliage penetration capability of a low-band (HF/UHF/VHF) and the High resolution imaging higher frequency bands (L/C/X). BENEFIT: Enhanced image formation/performance though advantages of unique band characteristics. Sensor size, weight, power, and cost mitigation for limited space on an air vehicle. This includes the real-estate savings with a single common aperture for low-band and high-band operation.