CCRS C/X-airborne synthetic aperture radar: An R and D tool for the ERS-1 time frame

The airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) system developed for the Canada centre for remote sensing is discussed. The SAR consists of two radars at C- and X-bands. Each radar incorporates dual-channel receivers and dual-polarized antennas, a high quality, seven-look, real-time processor; a sensitivity time control for range-dependent gain control; a motion time control for range-dependent gain control; a motion compensation system for antenna steering in azimuth and elevation; and baseband I- and Q-signal phase rotation. The system features a high-power transmitter with a low-power backup and can map to either side of the aircraft, at high or low resolution, at incidence angles which in high resolution span 0° to 80°. The radar operating parameters, data products, key specifications and the motion-compensation scheme used are given. Properties of the real-time imagery are discussed and examples of C-band SAR data in the three operating modes are presented