Improved Ship and Small Boat Classification Using Hybrid Synthetic Aperture Radar - Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR-ISAR) Imaging Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-119 Topic Title: Improved Ship and Small Boat Classification Using Hybrid Synthetic Aperture Radar - Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR-ISAR) Imaging Proposal No.: N112-119-0203 Firm: POC Tech Group 41928 Sara Ann Court Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 Contact: Victor Chen Phone: (703) 242-0248 Web Site: www.poctechgroup.com Abstract: We propose to develop hybrid SAR/ISAR imaging to provide enhanced imageries with both plan-view and broadside profile-view of ships and hence improve the performance of ship/small craft classification. In cases that radar and targets are both moving, good radar imageries may not be obtained by either SAR or ISAR. It can be generated through the hybrid SAR/ISAR mechanisms. The basic theoretical development and verification of the hybrid SAR/ISAR processing is needed for evaluating the improvement of ship/small craft classification. A new spatiotemporal classification method can be used for improving the performance of the ship/small craft classification using hybrid SAR/ISAR imageries. We have tested its performance using X-band radar data. Compared to the spatial classifier, the overall performance of the spatiotemporal classifier is significantly improved. During Phase I, we will focus on detailed analysis and evaluation effort to assess the feasibility of hybrid SAR/ISAR for improving ship/small craft classification. In Phase I Option, we will further investigate the feasibility of generating hybrid SAR/ISAR images in real-time, and investigate the integration of hybrid SAR/ISAR imaging system and human-system interface. In Phase II, we will work on design and demonstration of a prototype hybrid SAR/ISAR imaging system for ships and small crafts. Benefits: The hybrid SAR/ISAR mode can be used in current maritime airborne radar systems to improve ship/small craft classification for maritime surveillance, situational awareness, protection of facilities and ships against hostile maritime traffic and suicide boat's attack. Commercialization strategy includes maritime traffic monitoring applications, port management systems, port security, remote sensing applications, and medical applications. The hybrid SAR/ISAR could also be used in UAV detection, tracking, and imaging ground vehicles and dismounts. Commercialization strategy include military application specific to surveillance and homeland security deployment. We plan to team with other government contractors (prime) to apply the technology in real-live military scenarios. For industry applications, we plan to work with market specific leaders to further develop solutions for automobile, industry automation, medical application, and environmental inspection. Return