The SlimSAR: A Compact, Flexible, High-Performance, Polarimetric, Multi-Band SAR for Operation on a Small UAS

Abstract:
The SlimSAR is a small, low-cost, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and represents a new advancement in high-performance SAR. ARTEMIS employed an innovative design methodology that exploits previous developments in designing the Slim-SAR to be smaller, lighter, and more flexible while consuming less power than typical SAR systems. Compact design is facilitated by using a linear-frequency-modulated continuous-wave (LFM-CW) signal to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio while transmitting with less power. A delayed mix-down chirp is used to sidestep swath-width limitations. The flexible control software allows us to change the radar parameters in flight. The system is designed with a built-in high quality GPS/IMU motion measurement solution, a small data link, and a gimbal for the high-frequency antennas. Including all this, the entire system still weighs less than 9 kg and consumes less than 200 Watts, making it very suitable for use on a number of small UAS’s. The SlimSAR simultaneously collects data at multiple frequency bands, including L-band and X-band with ongoing development for UHF and Ku-band.