Passive millimeter wave imaging considerations for tactical aircraft

US Air Force, Army, Navy, and NASA Research Laboratories, in addition to major aerospace companies, are considering millimeter wave (MMW) imaging technology as an enhancement to sensor suits on both occupied and unoccupied vehicles. This paper is a review of some of the basic technology involved in MMW imaging and some of the programs and products that might benefit from passive day or night imaging through mist, haze, fog, clouds, and/or dust. Integration of sensors into tactical aircraft requires close attention to the available volume on the platform, the location of apertures, power requirements, and operational environments. A patent application based on MMW technology includes the passive determination of relative attitude, direction of approach, coded digital information, and distance to a cooperative beacon. Potential applications include UAV surveillance of ground vehicles, air borne approach to airfields, tankers, and flight leaders, and detection of airborne targets, including stealth aircraft