Interferometric Ocean Surface Mapping and Moving Object Relocation with a Norden Systems K/sub u/-band Sar

Abstract

United Technologies’ Norden Systems is now fielding a threeaperture interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), flying on a Gulfstream I1 (GII) corporate aircraft. Realtime functions include SAR ground map and enhanced moving target indication (MTI), among others. The MTI function uses interferometric data to compute the Doppler displacement of radially moving targets. Based on that information it overlays symbology at the true target locations on the SAR ground map. Recorded flight data are processed offline to produce interferometric ground maps, displaying intensity and phase information in false color. This paper presents a sampling of results obtained near the Hebrides and Sleat Sound, Scotland, during joint US-UK ocean mapping experiments in July 1991. Examples to be shown will include interferometrically enhanced swells, wind waves and similar features, ship wakes, axd surf breaking along the coastline. Data were collected at ranges of 10 to 50 nm.