Design and performance analysis of a phase-monopulse radar altimeter for continental ice sheet measurement

Current radar altimeter technology can be applied to the design of a phase-monopulse radar altimeter that provides an angle as well as a range measurement for the point of first reflection from the reflecting surface. Such an instrument is capable of removing the slope induced errors that occur when existing altimeters are applied to surfaces such as the continental ice sheets. The concepts and capabilities of such an altimeter are described.