Industry Defense Aerospace sierra nevada corporation

 

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• Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is an electronic systems provider and systems integrator specializing in microsatellites, energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, and commercial orbital transportation services. The company contracts with the US military, NASA and private spaceflight companies. The company is headquartered in Sparks, Nevada. SNC employs over 2000 people

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA}

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

What is it?

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) have been referred to as unmanned aircraft (UA), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and/or remotely piloted vehicles (RPV). However, RPA is the current and correct designation used to describe MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk systems. These RPA are flown either line-of-sight (LOS) or beyond line-of-sight via satellite from a ground control station (GCS). The BLOS concept minimizes the forward footprint of the RPA while allowing global combat missions to be flown from the U.S.

RPA provide ground commanders a persistent and highly capable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform capable of finding, fixing, targeting, tracking, engaging, and assessing almost any given target with the flexibility to be dynamically re-tasked. MQ-1/9 RPA provide real time full motion video (FMV) in both IR and DTV, have SIGINT capability, as well as strike capability with on board precision guided munitions. Mission sets for the MQ-1/9 include but are not limited to ISR, SIGINT, Close Air Support (CAS), and Air Interdiction (AI).

VideoSAR

Press release date: June 19, 2013

Latest Breakthrough Enables Continuous Target Tracking via HD-Quality Imagery

PARIS AIR SHOW – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced the successful integration and operational testing of its VideoSAR software system, which provides continuous, real-time, all-weather, day/night Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) surveillance, in full, High-definition (HD) video format (1080p).

“VideoSAR is an exciting follow-on development, building on the highly reliable, battle-proven Lynx® Multi-mode Radar, allowing users to see vehicles at-rest, moving fast, and everything in-between,” said Linden Blue, president, Reconnaissance Systems Group, GA-ASI. “While Lynx provides photographic-quality still imagery of targets, VideoSAR elevates that capability by delivering high-resolution SAR imagery in full-motion video format, further expanding the situational awareness of ground commanders.”

The prototype system was installed on a King Air 200 aircraft and flown successfully on March 25, 2013 in Ramona, Calif. During the company-funded test, VideoSAR imaged a wide variety of stationary and moving vehicles, marking the first real-time flight demonstration of the hi-resolution VideoSAR mode. Additionally, this new mode enables automatic Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) with very low minimum detectable velocity and precise SAR geo-location accuracy, enabling VideoSAR to detect both stationary and moving objects while maintaining non-stop, uninterrupted eyes on target.

The VideoSAR flight was conducted using a Lynx Block 20A radar, the most advanced variant in the Lynx family of radars. Lynx Block 20A is equipped with SAR/GMTI, Dismount Moving Target Indicator (DMTI), and Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) modes. The VideoSAR processors are currently being ruggedized for flight on RPA, including Predator® C Avenger®.

Featuring photographic-quality resolution, the Lynx Multi-mode Radar detects time-sensitive targets and offers a long-range, wide-area surveillance capability that can provide high-resolution SAR imagery slant ranges well beyond EO/IR sensor range. Lynx also incorporates a broad area GMTI scanning capability to detect moving vehicles, operating day and night. The radar is currently operational with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army, Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force, and the Iraqi Air Force.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft, including Predator A, Predator B, Gray Eagle®, the new Predator C Avenger, and Predator XP. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCS), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for RPA field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx Multi-mode Radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and remotely piloted aircraft. It also develops and integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications.

For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.

The APG-79 AESA radar system

The revolutionary APG-79 AESA radar provides F/A-18 aircrews with powerful capabilities

The APG-79 AESA radar system represents a significant advance in radar technology - from the front-end array to the back-end processor and operational software. This combat-proven AESA radar system substantially increases the power of the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, making it less vulnerable than ever before.

With its active electronic beam scanning — which allows the radar beam to be steered at nearly the speed of light — the APG-79 optimizes situational awareness and provides superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capability. The agile beam enables the multimode radar to interleave in near-real time, so that pilot and crew can use both modes simultaneously.

Now in full rate production for the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, the APG-79 demonstrates reliability, image resolution, and targeting and tracking range significantly greater than that of the previous mechanically scanned array F/A-18 radar. With its open systems architecture and compact, commercial-off-the-shelf parts, it delivers dramatically increased capability in a smaller, lighter package. The array is composed of numerous solid-state transmit and receive modules to virtually eliminate mechanical breakdown. Other system components include an advanced receiver/exciter, ruggedized COTS processor, and power supplies.

In addition to the APG-79, Raytheon supplies the F/A-18E/F aircraft with several other systems. Among these are the current APG-73 radar, ATFLIR forward-looking infrared targeting pod, ALR-67(V)3 digital radar warning receiver, ALE-50 towed decoy and a variety of missiles and bombs, including laser-guided weapons such as the Paveway and JSOW.

http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/apg79aesa/

Weather Surveillance Radar

Weather radar, also called weather surveillance radar (WSR) and Doppler weather radar, is a type of radar used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type (rain, snow, hail etc.). Modern weather radars are mostly pulse-Doppler radars, capable of detecting the motion of rain droplets in addition to the intensity of the precipitation.

Both types of data can be analyzed to determine the structure of storms and their potential to cause severe weather.

During World War II, radar operators discovered that weather was causing echoes on their screen, masking potential enemy targets. Techniques were developed to filter them.

Raw images are routinely used and specialized software can take radar data to make short term forecasts of future positions and intensities of rain, snow, hail, and other weather phenomena. Radar output is even incorporated into numerical weather prediction models to improve analyses and forecasts.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_surveillance_radar


 
Benefits of the WSR-88D over the WSR-57

• Improved Sensitivity - This is basically a result of a greater amount of power transmitted and a greater ability to distinguish smaller returns. The WSR-88D's ability to detect lighter amounts of precipitation has allowed for the detection of very light precipitation and even subtle clear air boundaries.
• Improved Resolution - This is primarily a function of angular beam width. The narrower the beam, the smaller the width at a given distance. This will allow the WSR-88D to differentiate between objects, thereby increasing the resolution.
• Volume Scanning - Rather than scanning along varying azimuth angles (PPI) then stopping to scan vertically (RHI), the radar will automatically scan various elevation angels while spinning around 360° of azimuth. Computers will generate products based on this volume scan.
• Enhanced Capabilities and Algorithms - Sophisticated computer programs will assist the radar operator to detect various phenomena such as mesocyclones and tornadoes (Tornado Vortex Signature - TVS) and the like. The radar will also have a greater range of reflectivities operating in severe and non-precipitation modes.

Principles of Modern Radar: Radar Applications

Principles of Modern Radar: Radar Applications

edited by and James A. Scheer and William L. Melvin

REVIEWERS NEEDED The Principles of Modern Radar series is the first "community-reviewed" set of text/references that fully involves the worldwide tribe of radar and EW engineers in the publishing process, from manuscript to bound book (and beyond as we post errata and make corrections to anything we missed in new printings). We need you to get involved, just like the over 100 members of the radar community who volunteered their time and expertise to make the first two volumes the highest quality text/references available. You can see the lists of reviewers for the first two books here, and here. If you would like to get involved, please contact Brent Beckley with an idea of which chapter you wish to review.

ABOUT THE BOOK This unique reference will provide in-depth discussions of the most important application areas in current practice, serving primarily radar practitioners and advanced graduate students. For those needing to become experts in an advanced technology or application area, Radar Applications should be the foundation of their research before they tackle in-depth, single topic advanced books and literature. These advanced books are suggested at the end of each chapter to guide readers toward the best published works. Principles of Modern Radar: Radar Applications will provide concise descriptions of the purposes, principal issues, and radar methods found in a wide variety of current radar types with military, commercial, and civilian issues. These types of radar include: Continuous wave (CW) Weather and air traffic control Pulse Doppler Fire Control Ground moving target indication Police speed timing Foliage penetrating This book combines the best attributes of edited and single-author references, drawing on the expertise of authors from academia and industry, all active in both teaching and ongoing research. These experts provide greater depth and experience over the broad range of radar topics than could any single author. A strong team of volume editors and external peer reviewers from the radar community will ensure consistency of structure, level, style, and notation of a single-author text.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Overview (William H. Melvin, James A. Scheer) 2. Continuous Wave (CW) Radar (Samuel O. Piper) 2.1 Continuous Wave Introduction 2.2 CW Radar Configurations 2.3 Unmodulated CW Radar 2.4 Frequency Modulated CW Radar 2.5 Phase Modulated CW Radar Waveform 2.6 Frequency Shift Key CW Radar Waveform 2.7 FMCW Radar Systems 2.8 References 3. Millimeter Microwave (MMW) Applications (Samuel O. Piper, James A. Saffold) 3.1 Introduction 3.2 The MMW Spectrum 3.3 Propagation at Higher Frequency 3.4 MMW Performance Limitations 3.5 Munitions and Seekers 3.6 Passive Detection (Radiometry) 3.7 MMW Radar Applications for the Military 3.8 MMW Radar Applications for the Commercial Market 3.9 Further Reading 3.10 References 4. Fire Control Radar (William G. Ballard, Stephane Kemkemian) 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Airborne Fire Control Radar 4.3 Surface Based Fire Control Radar 4.4 Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM) 4.5 The "AN" Equipment Designation 4.6 References 5. Airborne Pulse Doppler Radar (Aram Partizian) 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Geometry 5.3 The Doppler Shift and Motivation for Doppler Processing 5.4 Range and Doppler Distribution of Clutter 5.5 Contours of Constant Doppler and Range 5.6 Example Scenario 5.7 Pulse-Doppler Conceptual Approach 5.8 Ambiguities, Folded Clutter, and Blind Zones 5.9 Overview of PRF Regimes 5.10 High PRF Mode 5.11 Medium PRF Mode 5.12 Low PRF Mode 5.13 References >> Check out Pulse Doppler Radar, by Clive Alabaster, available from SciTech and the IET 6. Multiple-Function Phased Array Radar Systems (Melvin Belcher) 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Operational Concepts and Military Utilities 6.3 MPARS Sizing and Performance Evaluation 6.4 Search Sizing 6.5 ESA Overview 6.6 Radar Control and Resource Management 6.7 MPARS Technologies 6.8 MPARS Testing and Evaluation 6.9 Netcentric MPARS Applications 6.10 References 6.11 Further Reading 7. Ballistic Missile Defense Radars (Melvin Belcher) 7.1 Introduction 7.2 BMD Radar System Requirements 7.3 Radar Development for Ballistic Missile Defense 7.4 BMD Radar Design 7.5 BMD Radar Performance Estimation 7.6 References 7.7 Further Reading 8. Early Warning Radar (Alfonso Farina) 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Phased Array Antenna 8.3 Transceiver 8.4 Multi-Core Processors 8.5 Waveforms and Signal Processing 8.6 Plot Accuracy and Resolution for GBEWR 8.7 Tracking 8.8 Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM) Capabilities 8.9 Special Functions 8.10 Conclusions and Further Readings 8.11 References 9. Surface Moving Target Indication (William L. Melvin) 9.1 Introduction 9.2 SMTI Radar Operation 9.3 Signal Models 9.4 SMTI Metrics 9.5 Antenna and Waveform Considerations 9.6 Clutter Mitigation Approaches 9.7 Detection Processing 9.8 Angle and Doppler Estimation 9.9 Other Considerations 9.10 Summary 9.11 Further Reading 9.12 References 10. Air Traffic Control Radar (John Porcello) 12.1 Introduction – The Task of Air Traffic Control (ATC) 12.2 System Requirements/Mission 12.3 Design Issues 12.4 The Future of ATC Radar 12.5 Summary 12.6 Further Reading 12.7 Acknowledgements 12.8 References 11. Space-Based Radar (Samuel Piper) 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Space-Based Radar Systems 10.3 SBR Orbital Relationships 10.4 SBR Target, Terrain and Noise Power 10.5 SBR Waveform 10.6 References 12. Passive and Bistatic Radar (Hugh Griffiths, Chris Baker) 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Bistatic Radar 11.3 Passive Bistatic Radar Waveforms 11.4 The Signal Environment 11.5 Passive Bistatic Radar Techniques 11.6 Examples of Systems 11.7 Conclusions 11.8 References >> Check out Advances in Bistatic Radar, edited by Hugh Griffiths, available now from SciTech and the IET 13. Weather Radar (John Trostel) 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Typical Weather Radar Hardware 13.3 The Radar Range Equation for Weather Radar 13.4 Doppler Processing 13.5 Hydrological Measurements 13.6 Characteristics of Some Meteorological Phenomena 13.7 Sun Echoes and Roost Rings 13.8 Advanced Processing and Systems 13.9 Further Reading 13.10 References 14. Foliage Penetrating Radar (Mark Davis) 14.1 Introduction 14.2 History of Battlefield Surveillance 14.3 Foliage Penetration SAR Collection Systems 14.4 FOPEN Clutter Characteristics 14.5 Image Formation 14.6 Radio Frequency Interference 14.7 Target Detection and Characterization 14.8 Summary 14.9 Further Reading 14.10 References >> Check out Mark's book, Foliage Penetration Radar, available now from SciTech and the IET. 15. Materials (Ground) Penetrating Radar (C. Richard Liu) 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Pulsed Ground Penetrating Radar System Design 15.3 GPR System Implementation and Test Results 15.4 Conclusions 15.5 Reference 16. Police Speed Timing Radar (Eugene F. Greneker) 16.1 Introduction 16.2 History of Technologies that Enabled Police Radar 16.3 First Police Radar 16.4 Cosine Error Caused by Improper Operation 16.5 Next Generation S-Band Radar 16.6 Moving to X-Band - 10GHz 16.7 Second Method Used to Achieve the Ferro-magnetic Circulator Function 16.8 Moving Radar with Improved Detection Range Capability 16.9 Moving Mode Police Radar Operation 16.10 Alternative Phase Locked Loop Signal Processing Approach 16.11 Move to K-Band Frequencies 16.12 Police Radar Moves to the Ka Band and Utilizes Digital Signal Processing 16.13 Other Police Operating Modes Made Possible by DSP 16.14 Summary 16.15 References

ABOUT THE EDITORS Mr. James A. Scheer Jim Scheer has 40 years of hands-on experience in the design, development, and analysis of radar systems. He currently consults and works part time for GTRI and teaches radar-related short courses. He began his career with the General Electric Company (now Lockheed Martin Corporation), working on the F-111 attack radar system. In 1975 he moved to GTRI, where he worked on radar system applied research until his retirement in 2004. Mr. Scheer is an IEEE Life Fellow and holds a BSEE degree from Clarkson University and the MSEE degree from Syracuse University. Dr. William L. Melvin Dr. Melvin is Director of the Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and an Adjunct Professor in Georgia Tech's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. His specific expertise includes digital signal processing with application to RF sensors, including adaptive signal processing for aerospace radar detection of airborne and ground moving targets, radar applications of detection and estimation theory, electronic protection, SIGINT, and synthetic aperture radar. He has authored over 150 publications in his areas of expertise and holds three patents on adaptive radar technology. Dr. Melvin received the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1994, as well as the MSEE and BSEE degrees (with high honors) from the same institution. He is also a distinguished graduate of the USAF ROTC program.