The CP140 Imaging Radar System AN/APS-508: Architecture and early flight test results

The CP140 Imaging Radar System (IRS) is a multi-mode radar under development for the Canadian DND to fly on the CP140 Aurora fleet. Denoted the AN/APS-508, the IRS provides several surveillance and imaging modes for blue water, littoral and overland missions. The system architecture includes a number of features to support this broad range of functionality, including two back-to-back antennas, one incorporating three phase centres for Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), active dynamic range management and calibration for all imaging modes and GMTI. Installed on a Convair CV580, the system completed preliminary flight trial testing in Central and Eastern Canada during 2008, with all modes successfully demonstrated.