Image formation algorithm with motion compensation for forward-looking bistatic SAR

The paper concentrates on image formation method for the practical forward-looking bistatic SAR (FL-BiSAR). In the FL-BiSAR configuration presented in the paper, the transmitter operates in the broadside mode, while the receiver is dynamic toward the target. In practical applications, however, the platforms cannot maintain constant velocity or move with acceleration. Considering the influence to form image, the actual aperture is split into subapertures. It is reasonably assumed the platforms move with constant acceleration vector in a subaperture when the subaperture is small enough. The equivalent bistatic squint range model incorporating three-dimensional acceleration and velocity is deduced. Based on this model, an improved CS algorithm with new phase compensation factors for FL-BiSAR is proposed. The simulation results show that the imaging quality processed by the proposed method is close to the value of the BP algorithm.