Helicopter-based Measurements

The Radar Physics Group has integrated SPC-owned MkIV radar systems into helicopters for a variety of measurement applications. For one project for NASA and the Department of Transportation, an MkVe was used in a Bell UH-1 Huey for ground penetration experiments. In other projects, a larger Sikorsky S-61 has been used to demonstrate a variety of airborne measurement capabilities. Experience gained in flight operations with two radar operators was valuable for defining operational enhancements for the radar control computer user-interface to permit radar flight operations by a single operator. Considerable cost savings in manpower and aircraft operations were realized as the airborne radar operations evolved to current operations in the UH-1 Huey.

Palletized Radar Systems

The palletized MkIV radar has been the workhorse over the past 10 years for remote field measurements within the continental U. S. and overseas. The palletized radar is capable of manual range and angle tracking to support measurements of dynamic targets. Ground-based measurements include signatures of static helicopters, dynamic helicopters, static UAVs, dynamic UAVs, boats, ships and chaff. The palletized system has been deployed in trucks, elevators, helicopters, and airships. Airborne applications have included measurements of radar clutter from various types of terrain. In the winter of 2000, SPC palletized its company-owned MkVe radar system for use in field measurements. This system has been used for several truck-based SAR tests and has proven itself extremely durable, performing well in freezing temperatures and after frequent relocations.

S-61 and Palletized MkIV

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