CLARA-a coherent CO2 multi-mode laser radar

Radars come in many forms and guises. Conventionally we think of radars mainly being in the metric or centimetric bands, but now quite commonly they are found in the mm band. The choice of operating band depends on their application and where high definition is required the tendency is to go to the higher frequencies. This paper is taking that premise close to the limit with a laser radar. CLARA is an Anglo-French laser radar technical demonstrator programme to produce a multi-mode CO ₂ laser radar, the primary mode being cable and obstacle warning, with additional modes including terrain following and a range of targeting modes. The 4 1/2 year development programme has provided both France and the UK with a podded equipment. The UK is carrying out flight trials on fixed wing aircraft, while the French have fitted their pod onto a helicopter, and the flight trials data is being exchanged between the two countries