Estimation of the spatial resolution of a synthetic aperture radar antenna of the VHF frequency range placed on board an unmanned aerial vehicle along a real flight path

Abstract

Background. Currently, there is an intensive development of radar systems for remote sensing of the Earth, including those placed on unmanned aerial vehicles. Synthetic aperture radars are an effective means of round-the-clock and all-weather observation of objects on the Earth’s surface. Radars operating in the VHF range allow you to observe hidden and subsurface objects. The need for practical implementation of VHF band radar with synthesizing the aperture on board unmanned aerial vehicles requires additional research on the spatial resolution of radars, taking into account the unstable trajectory of the carrier. Aim. The article considers the analysis of the influence of the flight path and its measurement errors on the quality of the radar image. Methods. The research method provides an analysis of the shape of the radar uncertainty function with the synthesis of an aperture, which was built along a real trajectory using semi-natural mathematical modeling. Results. As a result of the conducted research, it is shown that the quality of radar images is influenced not only by errors in the knowledge of motion parameters, but also by the very nature of the carrier’s movement and the duration of the flight. Conclusion. Based on the results of field tests, it turned out to be possible to analyze these factors and determine the requirements for the UAV navigation system. Thus, the article shows the possibility of quality control of VHF band radar with synthesized aperture placed on board a UAV.