Research on imaging synchronization error and configuration of bistatic forward-looking Synthetic Aperture Radar

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), being a high-resolution microwave radar, is less susceptible to interference from cloud and fog environments as well as day-night factors. Consequently, it has been widely concerned since its inception. Currently, monostatic SAR technology has reached a level of maturity. Nevertheless, it suffers from drawbacks such as challenges in forward-looking imaging, inability to image from multiple angles, and susceptibility to interference. Admittedly, the foregoing defects pose significant challenges for monostatic SAR systems in current intricate battlefield environments, and the reasonable configuration of the bistatic SAR can address these shortcomings. This paper initially derives the geometric model and imaging algorithm of the translational variant bistatic SAR, and quantitatively analyzes the influence of different time and frequency synchronization errors on imaging and its compensation measures, then conducts imaging simulation validation. Subsequently, this research further analyzes the influence exerted by configuration on the range and azimuth resolution of bistatic SAR by utilizing the ambiguity function method. In this foundation, with the application background of the missile-borne bistatic forward-looking SAR, this research draws the contour maps of the azimuth resolution under different configurations, thereby furnishing valuable reference for the configuration selection of the bistatic forward-looking SAR.