A synthetic-aperture laser radar (ladar) has been successfully flight tested aboard Northrop Grumman's BAC One-Eleven test aircraft at Edwards AFB in California. Such a sensor would enable photographic-quality imaging of objects more distant than current electro-optical systems can provide. The synthetic-aperture ladar's range has not been disclosed.
The ladar has been developed under the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) synthetic-aperture ladar for tactical imaging programme. "The tests included flights on board a BAC One-Eleven, supported by the [US] Air Force Research Laboratory," says Northrop. The synthetic-aperture ladar is expected to provide long-range battle awareness and to operate day and night. Images could be exploited for three-dimensional information, conceivably for vehicle identification.
Testing will continue at different ranges to target and in various environmental conditions. The technology could be fitted to fighters, bombers, surveillance aircraft and unmanned air vehicles.
Source: Flight International
