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

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.