3D radar imaging using interferometric ISAR

Three-dimensional radar imaging is becoming increasingly important in modern warfare systems, leading to an increased need for deeper understanding of the 3D scattering behavior of targets as simple as a cylinder, to as complex as a main battle tank or air defense unit. Fully polarimetric, three dimensional radar signature data have been collected using 1/16th scale models of tactical targets in several indoor compact radar ranges, corresponding to data from S-band to W-band. ISAR image pairs, collected at slightly different elevations, were interferometrically processed into 3D imagery. The data collection, analysis, and 3D visualization methods are presented. Additionally, the results of mathematical 3D correlation are described. A detailed analysis of both measured and predicted 3D radar data on the UMass Lowell nominal rocket simulator target will be presented.