High resolution SAR/ISAR imaging from a helicopter platform

High resolution radar imaging modes are of particular interest in maritime surveillance applications, where they can be deployed to support the classification, and possibly identification, of surface targets which have been detected by the conventional search and tracking functions. This paper outlines some of the technical problems associated with providing a SAR/ISAR capability in a helicopter and goes on to describe an experimental radar system which was developed within the Radar Systems Division (RSD) of GEC-Marconi Avionics Ltd. This provided the basis for a joint research programme with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Malvern, UK. Some of the results obtained from a flight trials programme carried out in a DERA Sea King helicopter are presented