Bistatic SAR image utility

Abstract:
This paper describes some of the bistatic SAR research funded under the UK MOD’s research programmes undertaken at QinetiQ Malvern. The imagery from QinetiQ’s fully airborne bistatic SAR trials is analysed, and compared to the monostatic data collected at the same time. The use of the two images together is investigated in terms of any addition information that could be gained should both images be available. For bistatic SAR imagery to become valuable, how to interpret and utilize it must be understood. This paper presents some results of bistatic ISAR trials carried out in July 2003. Vehicle responses from monostatic and bistatic geometries are compared to each other and those gained from simulation results. From this work conclusions about the likely utility of bistatic SAR imagery are drawn.