Selex has unveiled a miniature X-band active electronically scanned array synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) that weighs less than 10kg (22lb). The system, designated PicoSAR, is capable of providing spot-mode images of better than 1m2 (3ft2) resolution at ranges greater than 10km (6 miles).
Displayed for the first time at Asian Aerospace, the radar supports strip and spot imaging and ground-moving-target indication modes. Development began two years ago as a spin-off from existing Selex electronically scanned array research.
Finmeccanica/BAE Systems unit Selex says it intends to conduct test flights of the PicoSAR system in mid-2006 using a Galileo Avionica-developed Falco tactical unmanned air vehicle. The aircraft will be deployed to the ParcAberporth UAV centre of excellence in west Wales, UK for the demonstration.
Source: Flight International
