Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging based on low-cost FMCW radar for mini-UAVs

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging by frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) processing produces 2D images of high resolution mapped areas. This paper presents a fully developed FMCW radar at 2.36 GHz that can fit in a mini-UAV with capabilities to acquire and store data. As a first evaluation of the system, we devised a rail SAR system, and processed data using range migration algorithm (RMA). The results are tested by imaging a trihedral and the performance of the entire system is discussed.