SUMATRA-94, A conceptual Approach for a Low Cost Millimeterwave Synthetic Aperture Radar on Board a Model Aircraft

Inhalt:
Based upon most recent advances in millimeterwave technology, especially monolithic integrated low noise or medium power HEMT amplifiers and multi channel receivers, a miniaturized experimental radar at 94 GHz was designed with the aim to be used on board of a remotely piloted model aircraft. This highly advanced front-end technique was combined with of-the-shelf model aircraft hardware and miniaturized GPS and data transmission equipment which is readily available. Goal of the project is to demonstrate, that using modern 94-GHz front-end technique combined with achievable back-end components it is possible under the already known advantages of the higher millimeterwave bands with respect of ease of SAR data processing, to set up a versatile SAR system usable for a wide range of remote sensing applications at medium range. The paper describes the current state of the research project SUMATRA-94 and gives some perspectives for future applications.