Bipolarization Microwave Radiometer for Obtaining Moisture Maps Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The article considers the circuitry and methods of application of a new bipolarization radiometric system designed for remote determination the soil moisture portraits from an unmanned aerial vehicle for use in precision farming system. The main parameters of the microwave radiometer and the sensing system are given. The main design features of the antenna and the radiometric receiver are shown, which made it possible to reduce the mass and dimensions of the radiometric system to values acceptable for the unmanned aerial vehicle board use. The main results of natural and flight tests of the radiometric system in various climatic zones and on various types of soil are presented. The prospects of using a radiometric system with a unmanned aerial vehicle to solve related remote sensing problems are evaluated.