2D-MIMO SAR/ISAR Imaging of Moving Targets with Reconfigurable Formation of Platforms

Abstract:
In this paper we propose a new technique to exploit the data simultaneously acquired by multiple radar sensors carried by multiple air platforms to increase the resolution of radar images of moving targets. Using orthogonal waveforms that occupy the same bandwidth in the range frequency domain, a 2D-MIMO SAR/ISAR system is configured. The system is based on a formation of platforms which can be configured with proper cross-track displacements to achieve ground range resolution improvement (MIMO SAR) and proper along track displacements to achieve cross-range resolution improvement (MIMO ISAR). The proposed technique allows to achieve a maximum theoretical 2D resolution cell improvement factor significantly greater than the number of flying platforms, by jointly exploiting both the monostatic and the bistatic acquisitions. The 2D-MIMO SAR/ISAR technique could be suitable to the application of ship target imaging using a reconfigurable formation of platforms for maritime surveillance in wide sea areas.