System Architecture for a Miniaturized X-band SAR-based Navigation Aid System

The article presents the concept of a system architecture which uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images to aid navigation systems when Inertial Navigation System (INS) measurements are not accurate enough to eliminate drifts from a planned trajectory. The basic idea is to infer the position and altitude of an aerial platform by making a comparison between a SAR image and an optical image or digital terrain model (DTM). To obtain estimates of the coordinate drifts, a few algorithmic approaches have been proposed. Such a system can also be used in GPS denied environments, or for high-speed maneuvering platforms where GPS navigation is unable to work properly. It can also be used as an additional landing assistant platform for civilian aircraft, especially in bad weather conditions or when an airport is not equipped with modern electronic devices such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS).