Error analysis of sparse passive synthesis radiometers on UAV platforms

Abstract

Passive millimetre-wave imaging is a potential solution to surveillance problems in the presence of obscurants. Research has shown that passive millimetre-wave imaging can form high contrast, natural imagery even through foul weather. The application of passive acquisition methods on a UAV is important for strategical and tactical reasons. In mountainous regions or in highly urbanized areas an almost Nadir looking imaging scheme for the data acquisition is beneficial. In order to achieve sufficient ground resolution from a few kilometers altitude, the use of synthetic methods is proposed. The method of aperture synthesis for high resolution passive imaging is discussed, and a simulated system design example using the UAV platform characteristics is illustrated. Since the aperture size even for W band is in the order of several meters, the imaging performance is influenced by many parameters, which are otherwise negligible. Within this context the feasibility of such a system on a UAV platform is discussed.