Flexible Microwave Systems - Final report

Authors:

  • Andreas Gustafsson
  • Tomas Boman
  • Svante Björklund
  • Per-Olov Frölind
  • Per Grahn
  • Ronny Gunnarsson
  • Magnus Gustafsson
  • Robert Malmqvist
  • Anders Nelander
  • Lars Pettersson
  • Jan Svedin

Publish date: 2009-01-08

Report number: FOI-R--2623--SE

Pages: 52

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • antenna flexible array antenna communication conformal multifunction
  • radar simulator urban 3D-SAR AESA GMTI PESA STAP

Abstract

The Flexible Microwave Systems (MFLEX) project has run during the years 2006 to 2008. The project has studied and evaluated flexible, multifunctional microwave antenna systems. The project focus has been on radar technology for small, autonomous vehicles, for example UAVs. Topics covered are system evaluation aspects, system performance simulations, architecture issues and conformal antenna integration. Key components and technologies have also been studied. The project results are summarised in the following list  Analysis of the need for radar functions in international operations points out the need for UAVs with SAR/GMTI-sensors for reconnaissance and radar for detection of gun fire.  Studies of STAP-based signal processing methods for detection of ground targets indicate that clutter supression is a more difficult problem for conformal antennas compared to linear antennas.  Down-looking 3D-SAR is a possible technique to use for high resolution radar images over urban areas, with low shadowing effects. Using multiple transmit positions the number of receive channels needed can be reduced, which will make the systems more cost effective.  The analysis of multi function system architectures with reduce complexity we show that by using low loss phase shifters it is possible, without significant loss in performance, to skip the demand on low noise amplifiers before the contribution from the antenna elements in an array antenna can be added together. This would make the systems more cost effective.  The development and characterization of a facetted conformal antenna within the project demonstrates the possibilities for conformal antennas to assume the shape of a body and still remain antenna features in terms of antenna diagram and angle of coverage. The project results have been spread by national and international cooperations, through conference publications and by seminars.