Book Description

This thesis investigated the feasibility of using state-of-the-art strapdown inertial navigation systems to motion compensate synthetic aperture radar aboard highly maneuverable aircraft. The applicable equations were first derived to obtain a comparison between inertial navigation system capabilities and synthetic aperture radar motion compensation requirements. Both turned gyro and laser gyro systems were investigated to determine the applicability for the task. The autofocus motion compensation technique was studied to determine if its range and squint angle boundaries could be improved by the use of highly accurate strap-down inertial navigation system measurements. It was determined that state-of-the-art strapdown inertial systems have the capability to motion compensate synthetic aperture radars in maneuvering aircraft and can improve the range and squint angle boundaries using the autofocus motion compensation technique. The results illustrate the ability of tactical aircraft to obtain high resolution imagery, as well as navigation and target information, while maintaining the low life-cycle cost of strapdown technology.