Millimetre wave SAR for UAV operation

Most recent developments in millimetre wave technology at W-band, especially the advance of medium power and low noise HEMT amplifiers, allow the set-up of miniaturized radars, operating with a wide RF bandwidth, achieving high range resolution. A highly miniaturized FM-CW radar at 94 GHz was developed and tested for SAR applications onboard small UAVs and within a sensor package to be used with a small airborne sensing aircraft. Advanced front-end technique was combined with off-the-shelf GPS and transmission equipment which is readily available. The main goal of the research project is to show, that new front-end technology in combination with achievable back-and components can lead to a SAR system, which is capable to serve a wide field of applications, as environmental monitoring, border control, agricultural applications and equally well can serve the needs of military reconnaissance applications. The paper describes the current state of the research project and gives the perspective of a later prototype production by a Fraunhofer Spin-off.