System and method for aircraft altimetry and terrain profiling via forward looking active electronically scanned array (aesa) radar

Abstract

An aircraft-based system for providing forward-looking terrain profiling and downward-looking altimetry via a single active electronically scanned array (AESA) orients the AESA through a sequence of desired directions, e.g., according to a predetermined scan pattern. At each desired direction, the AESA scans for ground-based targets, determining a range and Doppler velocity to each detected target. The AESA additionally orients downward, e.g., during a dedicated altimetry frame and with the assistance of inertial sensors to determine the orientation of the AESA, to scan terrain directly below the aircraft and provide a precise estimate of the altitude of the aircraft. Based on the determined ranges and velocities, the radar system determines a pointing angle and vertical/horizontal distances between the aircraft and each identified ground-based target.