Micronavigation System to Support a Radar with Synthetic Aperture aboard a Small UAV

Abstract

The paper describes the experience of constructing an integrated SINS/GNSS navigation system for supporting a side-looking synthetic aperture radar, located aboard a small-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Key features and factors that should be taken into account when developing a navigation system operated under severe conditions are studied. Flight test results are presented, including the estimates of MEMS-based micronavigation system accuracy. The analysis is based on the radio signals reflected from corner reflectors, as well as radar images obtained by constructing a matched filter based on the micronavigation system data.