SAR target geolocation performance

This paper investigates the target geolocation accuracy attainable using SAR. The airborne radar trials were sponsored by UK MoD under its research program. The results confirm that SAR target geolocation is a viable all-weather targeting capability. It has been demonstrated that SAR can be used to accurately position targets to within 4 m for broadside imaging geometries and to within 10 m for squinted geometries up to 40° at stand-off ranges of 50 km. The squinted results were worse than expected due to possible timing errors on the trials radar. If state of the art GPS and INS integrated methods are used then it should be possible to increase the geolocation performance still further.