Ground-penetrating synthetic-aperture radar for wide-area airborne minefield detection

George J. Moussally; Robert W. Fries; Richard Bortins

doi:10.1117/12.542822

21 September 2004 Ground-penetrating synthetic-aperture radar for wide-area airborne minefield detection

George J. Moussally, Robert W. Fries, Richard Bortins

Proceedings Volume 5415, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IX; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.542822
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

This paper describes data collection and test results from an airborne ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor operating as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Tests were undertaken to investigate the sensor's capability to support wide-area airborne minefield detection. The sensor was installed on a rotorcraft unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Flight tests occurred in 2002/3 at several US Army test sites containing minefields comprised of diverse types of anti-tank landmines, both metallic and low-metallic, that were buried and surface-laid. Data was collected using two side-look SAR modes: strip-map and spotlight. Strip-map mode data was collected using linear flight paths. Spotlight mode data was collected over a path surrounding the survey region allowing the sensor to collect minefield data over a full 360° view in azimuth. Data collected in strip-map mode was processed to form two-dimensional SAR imagery of the minefields. Three dimensional images were generated by processing the 360° spotlight mode data. The images were generated in a geo-referenced coordinate system to allow direct comparison of the imagery with surveyed ground truth. The sensor system is described and the flight tests that were undertaken are explained. Examples of SAR imagery from the flight tests are presented and compared to surveyed ground truth.

Citation Download Citation

George J. Moussally, Robert W. Fries, and Richard Bortins "Ground-penetrating synthetic-aperture radar for wide-area airborne minefield detection", Proc. SPIE 5415, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IX, (21 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.542822

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available