SUMIRAD – a fast imaging MMW radiometer for security and safety applications

Abstract

The armed forces are nowadays facing a wide variety of types of operations. In urban environment a convoy commander is confronted with a very complex threat situation, due to IEDs (Improvised explosive devices) or landmines. The detection of threats due to advanced reconnaissance sensors will provide an important advantage. The aim of the SUM project (Surveillance in an urban environment using mobile sensors) was to develop a cost-effective multi-sensor vehicle based surveillance system in order to enhance the knowledge of the actual threat situation on and nearby the road ahead of the convoy. The SUMIRAD (SUM imaging radiometer) system, developed by DLR, is a fast radiometric imager and part of the SUM sensor suite. This paper will present the SUMIRAD system and its key features. Imaging results from several measurement campaigns will be presented.