This report analyzes the forward-looking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system for helicopter landing assistance in degraded visual environments, currently under design at the US Army Research Laboratory. The main focus of the investigation is on SAR imaging and antenna array processing techniques. In particular, the systemâ??s point spread function is analyzed in detail by quantifying the main performance metrics: resolution, sidelobes, and grating lobes. Analytic and numeric results are illustrated with 3-D graphics. Tradeoffs and performance improvement methods are discussed. Additionally, we review several options for antenna array design and undertake a sensitivity study of the 3-D SAR image quality with respect to platform positioning errors. A design case study is presented as well, emphasizing aspects such as radar waveforms, timing, and power requirements.
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