Modern synthetic aperture radar systems

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a side looking airborne radar sensor that provides high-resolution microwave images of selected ground areas. It is an all weather day and night sensor. Additional features include stand-off capabilities (long range) and fast coverage rate. Stationary ground targets are clearly visible upon a SAR image and can also automatically be detected. SAR sensors are used for reconnaissance and remote sensing applications. In this article a new generation of advanced SAR systems is presented. It features high performance reconnaissance and Zooming SAR modes as well as dedicated modes for display overlay of moving targets upon SAR images. It processes the radar raw data on-board and transmits SAR images via data-link. That on board processing capability greatly reduces the data link bandwidth. Those advanced systems operate upon fighter and transport aircrafts and upon unmanned vehicles ( RPV´s). A derivative of SAR for airborne fire control radars and for airborne maritime patrol applications is also presented.