The evolutionary trend in airborne and satellite radar altimeters
Abstract
The manner in which airborne and satellite radar altimeters developed and where the trend is leading was investigated. The airborne altimeters have progressed from a broad beamed, narrow pulsed, nadir looking instrument, to a pulse compressed system that is computer controlled, to a scanning pencil beamed system which produce a topographic map of the surface beneath the aircraft in real time. It is suggested that the airborne systems lie in the use of multiple frequencies. The satellite altimeters evolve towards multifrequency systems with narrower effective pulses and higher pulse compression ratios to reduce peak transmitted power while improving resolution. Applications indicate wide swath systems using interferometric techniques or beam limited systems using 100 m diameter antennas.
- Publication:
-
Frontiers of Remote Sensing of the Oceans and Troposphere from Air and Space Platforms
- Pub Date:
- May 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984frso.nasa..391F
- Keywords:
-
- Airborne Equipment;
- Radar Measurement;
- Radio Altimeters;
- Satellite Instruments;
- Distance Measuring Equipment;
- Product Development;
- Remote Sensing;
- Satellite Observation;
- Communications and Radar