Applications of a Modern micro-SAR System for Small UAV Operations (From Active to Passive SAR Technology)

This paper presents selected applications of a modern, small and compact micro-SAR system applied to small UAV operations. The development of both airborne SAR systems and COTS component miniaturization is discussed, as well as their recent impact on SAR technology availability for small UAV applications. The results presented here are based on the SAR radar development experience at the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), Poland over the last decade, the history of which is also briefly described. Furthermore, the paper presents novel trends of airborne passive SAR technology, showing its new potential in UAV applications.