A Lightweight Radar for Detecting Low Altitude Airborne Targets from an Aerostat

A lightweight, low-cost radar for detecting low-altitude airborne targets from a lighter-than-air airborne platform is proposed. The sensor offers an all-weather, all-visibility-conditions MTI and tracking capability for situation awareness and the possible activation and guidance of counter measures. A special proprietary microstrip phased array antenna concept coupled with a novel radar configuration, both of them made possible by GT's self-calibration and motion compensation techniques, results in the lightweight, low-cost practical construction. Depending on system parameters, the proposed sensor suite is expected to have a detection range of about 50 km, weigh between 50 and 150 lb, and consume less than 500 watts of prime power. Phase I will consist of requirements analysis, concept development, trade-off analysis, performance evaluation, and designing a prototype sensor suite with separable modules for radar, data up/down link, signal processor, displays and controls. Phase II will consist of developing and integrating a prototype sensor with GFE lifting body and ground mobility platform for a live demonstration program.