The Design and Development of a Polarimetric Phased Array Airborne SAR Sensor
conference paper
A polarimetric C-band airborne SAR has been developed in the Netherlands. The system makes use of a
phased array antenna with solid state amplifiers. The project consists of two phases, a definition phase and
a realization phase. The definition phase consisted of the actual realization of a SAR research system,
which made its first successful testflight in November 1990. The research system is based on the concept
of a wide beamwidth antenna, rigidly fixed to the aircraft.
In the current realization phase the polarimetric system is under its first airborne tests. Its design is
based on the experience gained with the research system. The system makes use of a phased array with
dual polarized patch radiators and will be equipped with solid state amplifiers. The technology used and
the expected system performance are representative for future spaceborne systems. This paper will give
an overview of the SAR research system and the results obtained with this system. The polarimetric system
design and use will be discussed. Apart from the use as an advanced polarimetric airborne SAR, there
is the perspective of using this system as a demonstrator for ESA's future ASAR system.
phased array antenna with solid state amplifiers. The project consists of two phases, a definition phase and
a realization phase. The definition phase consisted of the actual realization of a SAR research system,
which made its first successful testflight in November 1990. The research system is based on the concept
of a wide beamwidth antenna, rigidly fixed to the aircraft.
In the current realization phase the polarimetric system is under its first airborne tests. Its design is
based on the experience gained with the research system. The system makes use of a phased array with
dual polarized patch radiators and will be equipped with solid state amplifiers. The technology used and
the expected system performance are representative for future spaceborne systems. This paper will give
an overview of the SAR research system and the results obtained with this system. The polarimetric system
design and use will be discussed. Apart from the use as an advanced polarimetric airborne SAR, there
is the perspective of using this system as a demonstrator for ESA's future ASAR system.
TNO Identifier
94921
Publisher
VDE-Verlag GMBH
Source title
EUSAR '96 - European Conference on Synthetic Aperture Radar, 26-28 March 1996, Konigswinter, Germany
Place of publication
Berlin
Pages
67-70
Files
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