Advanced Scanning Technology for Imaging Radars (ASTIR)
Abstract
The Advanced Scanning Technology for Imaging Radars (ASTIR) program provided immediate benefit to applications that are constrained by power, weight, and the complexity limits of production. The goal of this program was 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 included: (1) high-resolution 3D imaging for enhanced identification and targeting, independent of platform or target motion; (2) 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) millimeter-wave (mmW)/terahertz (THz) electronic component advancements from other DARPA programs for transmit and receive functions. This program resulted in a more readily available, cost-effective imaging radar technology that works in concert with a wide area surveillance system to provide target identification at video frame rates in all conditions where existing sensors do 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. Technology developed under this program transitioned to the Air Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- a45ec927130ecda605c8849a27c4101e
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- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY