Solar-Powered HALE UAS with L-band Radar for Wildfire Predictive Mapping and Prevention

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Title: Solar-Powered HALE UAS with L-band Radar for Wildfire Predictive Mapping and Prevention PI: Stewart James P. (Electra.aero Inc.) Project Summary: The purpose of the proposed work is to develop a capability for a persistent high spatial and temporal resolution L-band radar platform for wildfire and agricultural applications. This capability will be provided by the union of cutting-edge developments in high altitude long endurance (HALE) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) combined with the development of L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that are optimized for airborne applications. This union supports the collection of sustained imagery capable of resolving spatial structures on the scale of 5 m. Such high resolution is not obtainable from the current state-of-the-art solution for repetitive imagery geostationary imagers. This proposal directly addresses the need for improved spatial resolution of fuel moisture content and soil moisture to help predict forest fire danger ratings as well as potential rates and patterns of fire spread (Topic Area 8.1 Research Priority F). The HALE aircraft platform can provide persistent high spatial resolution low latency information regarding fuel moisture content (FMC) from volumetric SAR backscatter in order to support fire risk forecasting and propagation modeling as well as assisting in efficient fuel reduction efforts. These same high resolution measurements can also be used to understand how forests and grasslands are changing as a result of climate change (Topic Area 8.1 Research Priority E). 1