Random Radar

We propose to establish the feasibility of using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to rapidly and accurately map building interiors and other structures (such as collapsed mines) interiors that cannot be analyzed with presently available equipment. When fully developed, the system would perform rapid map-making of the internals of unknown structures in a variety of applications by driving the system along side the structure. Furthermore, the system's auxiliary radar(s) or radar modes will detect and locate moving personnel within the structure of interest, and locate said movers on the structure's map. The SAR system and its auxiliary radars are small, light weight, and will be deployed on a small ground vehicle such as a small pick-up truck or other vehicle of convenience. In addition to this heretofore unavailable capability, the system will operate with very low transmitter power and use waveforms comprised of features that make the waveform appear to be random in nature. Such emissions properties provide for covert operation of the system, thus facilitating tactical advantages to military and law enforcement personnel who are attempting to defeat terrorist attacks and hostage situations. Feasibility of such a system will be established by 1) providing an electromagnetic wave propagation analysis base in models and simulations where the nature of the radar return signals from the target structure interiors through the building's walls becomes known, and 2) performing a detailed radar system design / analysis to meet the simultaneous requirements of good SAR performance and covert operations.