A Micro SAR Sensor for Small UAVs

A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) micro sensor of extremely low weight and power, and small size is proposed. The sensor offers a low-cost, all-weather/all-visibility-conditions high-resolution imaging capability from a small UAV to individuals and small units for surveillance and targeting purposes. In addition to being able to see through smoke, fog, etc. and its around-the-clock mission capability, SAR provides the valuable range information and it's particularly sensitive to man-made metallic objects such as tanks, artillery pieces, and various ground vehicles. A special proprietary radar configuration, made possible by GORCA's data-adaptive motion compensation techniques, results in the ultra-lightweight/low-cost construction. The sensor does not require the placement of INS or IMU equipment on board the UAV. Depending on system parameters, the total weight of the proposed imaging payload is expected to range between 0.1 and 0.5 lb. A side-looking, lightweight, low-profile microstrip SAR antenna is to be employed. The rest of the payload is expected to occupy few cubic inches. Phase I will consist of concept development, trade-off analysis of system parameters (impacting size, weight, and power), performance assessment, and a detailed design of a prototype to be built and demonstrated during Phase II.