A SAR system test unit for verification of user requirements

A test unit for synthetic aperture radars (SAR) is presented. The unit presents a discriminating targets scenario synthetized in analog technique to the SAR in order to offer an abbreviated analysis. Radar pulses issued from the antenna part are modulated in the test unit with a complex spectrum which in its structure represents the target scenario and the platform motion. As in actual operation the echoes are reflected into the SAR receiver. Results confirm that the test apparatus is feasible as a compact unit with low power consumption, to be used for SAR ground tests and for satellite/airborne onboard versions.