Two approaches being considered to add MTI processor
EADS is exploring the development of a moving target indicator (MTI) capability for its 4.5kg (10lb) MiSAR miniature synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload, and is also eyeing the system's potential adaptation to form part of an unmanned air vehicle's sense and avoid system. The 500mm (20in) image resolution MiSAR system entered flight testing on an EMT Luna UAV late last year.
Two approaches are possible: adding an MTI processor to the existing sensor payload, increasing its weight to 8-10kg; or integrating MTI processing capability with the UAV's ground station, possibly requiring an improved air-to-ground datalink capability.
The sense and avoid option would see the SAR antenna array gimbal mounting redesigned to look forward as well as down. The radar waveform generator would be modified to enable frequency outputs suited to air-to-air operations.
The radar airborne processing system would carry two sets of software, one driving the SAR function and the second performing air search and target detection functions. In the sense and avoid mode, MiSAR would be able to detect threats at a range of up to 5-10km (2.7-5.4nm), with an envelope of 200¡ in the horizontal field and 20¡ in the vertical.
EADS says no customer requirement yet exists for either of the new proposed variants.
PETER LA FRANCHI / BERLIN
Source: Flight International
