Image quality analysis of the vibrating sparse MIMO antenna array of the airborne 3D imaging radar ARTINO

Abstract

ARTINO <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">1</sup> is a new radar system, integrated in a small mobile and dismountable experimental UAV <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . The side- looking geometry of usual SAR <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> systems produces shading effects of the scene to be imaged. ARTINO overcomes this restriction with the ability to image the direct overflown area (Nadir looking) in three dimensions. The effects caused by vibrations of the used sparse MIMO <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sup> antenna array- which is embedded in the wings of the airplane - are discussed with respect to the 3D imaging quality. A correction approach within the image formation process is presented, too.