X-Band Phased Array Antenna Frontends for Next Generation SAR Instruments

SCOUT is a product line for next generation X-Band SAR instruments for space applications at Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Germany. The paper presents the Phased Array Antenna Frontend technology of SCOUT based on highly integrated modular building blocks to realize SAR systems with extremely enhanced geometric resolution, high radar mode versatility and an improved cost to performance ratio. The antenna technology supports high bandwidth by use of a True Time Delay based beamforming network, single or quad-polarization and easy scalability in size, power and aspect ratio of the antenna.