Advanced Scanning Technology for Imaging Radars (ASTIR)
Abstract
The Advanced Scanning Technology for Imaging Radars (ASTIR) program will provide immediate benefit to applications that are constrained by power, weight, and the complexity limits of production. The goal of this program, building on technologies developed under the Multifunction RF (MFRF) program which is budgeted in this PE/Project, is to demonstrate a new imaging radar architecture using an electronically scanned sub-reflector to produce a more readily available, cost-effective sensor solution that does not require platform or target motion. Key system attributes will: (1) provide high-resolution 3D imaging for enhanced identification and targeting, independent of platform or target motion; (2) produce video frame rates to provide well-focused images even when there is platform or target motion; (3) beam steer with a single transmit/receive chain to reduce system complexity resulting in lower cost, power, and weight; and (4) integrate millimeter-wave (mmW)/terahertz (THz) electronic component advancements from other DARPA programs for transmit and receive functions. The completion of this program will result in a more readily available, cost-effective imaging radar technology that will work in concert with a wide area surveillance system to provide target identification at video frame rates in all conditions where existing sensors will not work. Candidate military applications include efficient terminal seekers, imaging systems for defense of shipping in ports and littoral environments, base perimeter monitoring, and screening of personnel passing through access control points. This technology is intended to transition to Special Operations Command and the Navy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 6f098e6a8a1f4f486d9de376f24c9937
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- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY