Optimum Organization of Maintenance Aiding Information

Airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems are required to provide all weather day/night imaging of ground targets. Requirements exist for a smaller, less expensive, and more covert SAR system. ZAI/Amelex has introduced a new SAR waveform and systemwhich is very small, light weight, and low power. Recent experiments have demonstrated excellent resolution (~1.0 inch) while simultaneously reducing the energy required for SAR imagery by -30 dB for Low Probability of Intercept (LPI). This SBIR proposalhas two primary Navy goals: 1) Validate the LPI SAR imaging waveform, and 2) Focus the development for transition to P-3 missions in a follow-on program. The Phase II prototype will be designed to demonstrate and validate SAR imagery with an initial designgoal of 2-3 KM. The Phase II effort will then focus on the design of scalable modules for the power supply, power amplifier, and antenna array for an increased range capability of 20+ nm for possible implementation into a P-3C upgrade. A Transition Programwould then take the approach identified as a starting point for final development, test, and evaluation of an extended range version of the LPI SAR, suitable for application to covert P-3 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missionsrequiring all-weather high resolution.