A synthetic aperture radar system with the capability to operate in all types of weather, day or night, is one step closer to providing warfighters with high resolution reconnaissance imagery.

A recent review has concluded that the Lockheed Martin Tactical Reconnaissance and Counter-Concealment Enabled Radar (TRACER) system is acceptable for integration onto manned and unmanned aerial platforms.

"This milestone means that we can soon field this much needed ISR capability to those who need it most," said Jim Quinn, Vice President with Lockheed Martin's Information Systems and Global Services-Defense.

"By migrating this advanced sensor technology to unmanned aerial systems and other platforms, we can help warfighters combat contingency operations around the globe."

The Critical Design Review (CDR) focused on the design and integration details associated with the radar's operation on an unmanned aerial system and concluded that the TRACER podded design is acceptable for use on the Predator B platform.

The review was conducted for the United States Army Communications-Electronic Research Development and Engineering Center Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD). This successful CDR paves the way for the first flight of TRACER on an unmanned aerial vehicle scheduled for late summer.

TRACER addresses the Army's critical need to detect enemy targets, equipment and facilities under obscuration. Incorporating both a VHF and UHF band within the synthetic aperture radar system, TRACER provides images to ground units in all-weather, day or night conditions.

The system also incorporates provisions for a data link that allows airborne processed results to be down-linked to ground stations immediately. The system's design is predicated on Lockheed Martin's proven foliage penetration (FOPEN) technology.

FOPEN was developed specifically to detect vehicles, buildings, and large metallic objects in broad areas of dense foliage, forested areas, camouflage netting and wooded terrain.