A hybrid (space-based/airborne) bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) concept has been developed at Toyon Research Corporation and a feasibility assessment has been made. The benefits of a sanctuary transmitter architecture to the receive aircraft are (1) high resolution SAR imaging capability at long range from the receive aircraft, day or night, and in all weather; and (2) passive operation, which enables the aircraft to maintain stealth, improve survivability, resist sidelobe jamming, and for some aircraft such as RPVs, drones, etc., take advantage of the weight and prime power savings possible because a transmitter is not required. We show that three Molniya satellites can provide continuous illumination coverage for application to strategic missions, while a single satellite in geostationary orbit is suited to most tactical missions.
Concepts for Finding Relocatable Targets. Small Business Innovative Research Topic AF 87-124. Phase 2
1991
167 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Radiofrequency Detection , Synthetic aperture radar , Aircraft , All weather , Artificial satellites , Bistatic radar , Drones , Earth orbits , Feasibility studies , High resolution , Illumination , Images , Jamming , Long range(Distance) , Long range(Time) , Missions , Night , Operation , Passive systems , Relocation , Savings , Sidelobes , Stationary , Strategic warfare , Survivability , Tactical warfare , Targets , Radar satellites , Geosynchronous orbits , Inclined orbits , Molniya satellites , Elliptical orbits , Amber project