Acumulation of data in a synthetic aperture radar mounted on a UAV

Background. Currently, there is an intensive development of synthetic aperture radar systems, including those deployed on UAVs. The deployment of remote control systems on board aircraft UAVs opens up wide opportunities for inexpensive and effective surveillance of small areas. At the same time, the features of this method of shooting open up new opportunities for improving the basic tactical and technical characteristics of the synthetic aperture radar systems due to repeated shooting and subsequent data accumulation. Aim. The analysis of the effectiveness of coherent and incoherent accumulation of multiple survey data using synthetic aperture radar systems placed on board a UAV is an urgent task. Methods. Using multiple terrain surveys, it is possible to significantly reduce the speckle noise level in the radar image and increase the energy potential of the radar without loss of spatial resolution. Results. When observing non-fluctuating targets, the radar’s energy potential can be increased by coherent data accumulation. When observing fluctuating objects, incoherent accumulation can significantly reduce the speckle noise level on the radar. Conclusion. In practice, a combination of coherent and incoherent accumulation of radar imagery can be recommended, depending on the task being solved.