A new C-band SAR for ERS-1 underflights

A high-resolution airborne C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been designed, built, and tested. The radar design based on digital technology to the largest possible extent, to make the system as adaptable as possible. This has resulted in a very flexible radar with variable resolution, swath width, and imaging geometry. Special attention was paid to system calibration when the system was designed. Design considerations are outlined, selected features are discussed in relation to the implementation (for example, the digital system, the aircraft, the antenna and its installation, and the calibration system), and the first test results are given. The ongoing system developments and project plans are briefly described