The SlimSAR: A small, multi-frequency, Synthetic Aperture Radar for UAS operation

Abstract

The SlimSAR is a small, low-cost, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and represents a new advancement in highperformance SAR. ARTEMIS employed a unique design methodology that exploits previous developments in designing the Slim-SAR to be smaller, lighter, and more flexible while consuming less power than typical SAR systems. With an L-band core, and frequency block converters, the system is very suitable for use on a number of small UAS's. Both linear-frequency-modulated continuous-wave (LFM-CW), which achieves high signal-to-noise ratio while transmitting with less power, and pulsed mode have been tested. The flexible control software allows us to change the radar parameters in flight. The system has a built-in high quality GPS/IMU motion measurement solution and can also be packaged with a small data link and a gimbal for high frequency antennas. Multi-frequency SAR provides day and night imaging through smoke, dust, rain, and clouds with the advantages of additional capabilites at different frequencies (i.e. dry ground and foliage penetration at low frequencies, and change detection at high frequencies.)