IMSAR, a leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) innovation, is transforming the field of radar by making compact, powerful SAR systems available for a range of platforms. With this innovation, radar technology is becoming more practical and widely applicable for ISR missions.
In the article “What Does IMSAR Mean When We Say Radar?” IMSAR explores how the company aims to make SAR technology more usable, affordable, and accessible.
Explaining SAR
Synthetic Aperture Radar, or SAR, allows high-resolution imaging by electronically emulating a large antenna through movement. This technology enables SAR systems to capture detailed images even in low-visibility conditions, such as through clouds or in darkness.
SAR systems are commonly side-looking and airborne, providing robust geospatial data and enhanced imagery regardless of environmental conditions. Working effectively alongside electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, SAR technology offers an all-weather imaging solution that enhances situational awareness across a variety of scenarios.
Low-SWaP SAR Systems
IMSAR’s SAR technology is designed to accommodate low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements. This innovation means that SAR systems are no longer restricted to large aircraft and satellites; IMSAR’s lightweight radars are now suitable for integration on smaller platforms, including Group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned turboprop aircraft. By maintaining the robust functionality of traditional SAR systems while adapting them for smaller, lower-cost platforms, IMSAR has expanded the range of missions that can leverage SAR’s imaging capabilities.
Multimode SAR Functionality
IMSAR’s SAR systems are capable of multiple operational modes, which enhances their flexibility for different mission requirements. Standard capabilities include:
- SAR Imaging: High-resolution black-and-white imaging, with options for focused and wide-area searches.
- Coherent Change Detection (CCD): Detects changes between images captured over time, highlighting new developments in the area.
- Moving Target Indication (MTI): Scans wide areas to detect and track moving targets on land or at sea in real-time.
These capabilities provide critical data for a range of scenarios, from surveillance to environmental monitoring. IMSAR has also developed advanced SAR modes, including Interferometric SAR (IFSAR), Inverse SAR (InSAR), Forward Looking SAR (FLOSAR), and Air-to-Air MTI (AMTI), expanding the utility of SAR technology further.
Mission to Democratize Radar
IMSAR’s approach is about more than advancing technology; it’s about making radar widely available and adaptable. Their mission to democratize radar reflects a commitment to lowering barriers that previously limited radar’s accessibility. This focus on accessibility opens new possibilities for organizations to adopt radar for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications across a variety of fields.
Ryan Smith, founder, president and CEO of IMSAR further explains what it means to democratize radar in the following video:
Discover more about IMSAR’s cutting-edge SAR systems and how they’re changing the landscape of radar technology by reading the full article on IMSAR’s website >>
