In a groundbreaking partnership, IMSAR and antenna innovator Optisys have developed a compact radar system tailored for High Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft, both manned and unmanned. This advanced radar technology leverages Optisys’s expertise in 3D-printed antenna miniaturization alongside IMSAR’s established military-grade radar capabilities.
The new high-altitude radar system is built upon IMSAR’s existing NanoSAR C technology, known for its low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) characteristics. This technology serves as the backbone for IMSAR’s Commercial, Off-the-Shelf (COTS) airborne radar solutions, including the NSP-3, NSP-5, and NSP-7 models. Capable of operating from altitudes exceeding 60,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), this radar is engineered for continuous functionality in stratospheric conditions.
To meet the rigorous SWaP criteria essential for HALE platforms, Optisys has designed a unified antenna array that integrates multiple horns, waveguide combiners, mounting structures, and thermal management features. This innovative array minimizes the number of components needed for the radar system by an extraordinary 94%, significantly decreasing both the size and weight.As an inevitable result, this radar can be seamlessly integrated into HALE platforms that previously lacked the capacity to support radar sensors.Additionally, the low-loss 3D aluminum array contributes to reduced power consumption, enhancing mission endurance.
Larry Moore, Vice President of Sales at IMSAR, remarked, “The collaboration between IMSAR’s low SWaP NanoSAR radar and Optisys’s cutting-edge printed aluminum antenna has resulted in a remarkable new radar class for HALE aircraft. Utilizing this radar on HALE platforms enables sustained surveillance that previously required multiple aircraft or satellites, offering unparalleled versatility in imagery collection and extended operational time.”
