Textron Systems, IMSAR integrate NSP-3 into Aerosonde
Textron Systems and IMSAR have successfully demonstrated the capability of the NSP-3 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) integrated on the Aerosonde small UAS, Textron announced on 18 February 2019.
The companies integrated the NSP-3 radar system into the Aerosonde aircraft, with radar electronics in the fuselage payload bay and an externally mounted antenna pod. Software integration included the ability to send radar flight plans directly to the Aerosonde operator.
During multiple flights, the fully integrated system demonstrated day-and-night operations, collecting high-resolution SAR, coherent change detection imagery (CCD) and moving target indication (MTI) detections and tracks. The demonstration included precise cross-cueing of the Aerosonde platform’s full-motion video system from MTI targets that were detected and tracked by the radar system, highlighting the NSP-3 radar system as a sensor and platform multiplier.
The combination of the Aerosonde platform with the all-weather, day-and-night NSP-3 radar system will enable advanced ISR capabilities in a variety of austere locations and extreme weather conditions.
The Aerosonde UAS is equipped for real-time, full-motion video and communications relay within a single flight, day or night.
IMSAR’s NSP-3 multi-mode radar system combines NanoSAR technology with a small size, weight, and power form factor. The NSP-3 can produce high-resolution SAR imagery, CCD, MTI, as well as maritime surveillance in all weather, day or night.
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