Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a radar technology for acquiring high-resolution images of the Earth's surface. It works by transmitting radar pulses from a flight controller or ground station, receiving the reflected signals, calculating the phase and amplitude of each pixel, and thus constructing a high-resolution image. SAR is generally applicable to fields such as remote sensing, military applications, geological exploration, and geomorphological research.
With the rapid development of drone technology and the miniaturization trend of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), integrating lightweight SAR systems into industrial-grade drone platforms has become an important research direction in the field of remote sensing. Based on the DJI M350, a high-performance industrial drone, our company has specially launched a weight-reduced MiniSAR system perfectly adapted to it. This article will analyze the feasibility of this combination from three aspects: technical compatibility, image imaging effect, and applicable application areas.
Platform Performance Matching: The DJI M350 RTK has a maximum payload capacity of 2.7kg, a flight time of 55 minutes (empty) / 32 minutes (fully loaded), and features IP55 protection and level 6 wind resistance. Currently, our lightest MiniSAR system (Lingyun series LY1B) weighs within 2.7kg and consumes less than 200W. It features single polarization, full polarization, strip, and spotlight modes, enabling real-time imaging. The physical parameters of the two systems are highly compatible, meeting basic installation requirements.
LY1B Actual Product Image
Radar system performance parameters
System Integration Space: The M350's expansion interface supports gimbal loads, and its open architecture facilitates SAR structure integration. Our MiniSAR can be mounted on the gimbal under the drone's belly using a customized mount bracket, with power and data transmission achieved via a bus link. After numerous flight tests, DJI drones equipped with the MiniSAR still operate normally and stably, meeting the flight stability requirements of various industries!
MiniSAR+ Drone System Integration Diagram
System Imaging Performance: SAR technology is unaffected by weather and other natural conditions. However, in adverse weather conditions, such as rain and snow, the optical imaging effect is greatly affected, and it may even fail to function properly. Our lightweight MiniSAR system, equipped with a DJI M350 drone, processes radar waves from ground targets, resulting in excellent and stable imaging performance. It can provide users with timely, accurate, and comprehensive high-resolution images around the clock, in all weather conditions.
X-band imaging map resolution 0.2m
System application areas: UAV MiniSAR technology can detect targets in complex terrain and concealed environments. UAVs equipped with SAR equipment can penetrate deep into complex areas that are inaccessible to humans such as forests and mountainous areas to detect and observe ground targets. Or when performing search and rescue missions, it can help people quickly locate the trapped people and improve the efficiency and accuracy of search and rescue. Here are some common application areas:
1. Emergency Disaster Monitoring
Real-time mapping of flood-prone areas
Landslide deformation monitoring
Nighttime search and rescue target identification
2. Infrastructure Inspection
Erosion retrieval of power line ice thickness
Maritime vessel safety status positioning
Bridge and dam structural deformation monitoring
SAR technology in the field of drones has advantages such as being unaffected by weather, strong detection capabilities in complex terrain, and high-resolution imaging. The DJI M350 and our company's lightweight MiniSAR are highly integrated, easy to operate, and have a rapid response. This technological combination is expected to play a powerful role in emergency management, energy management, agricultural management, military management, and other fields!
