Visual Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR)

Visual Synthetic Aperture Radar (ViSAR) is a form of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) primarily designed to produce visual data in low observation conditions. Secondarily it can also be used for cartography, search and rescue, and any other application that can make use of its capabilities. An older technology, it was modernized by the Ryu Keiretsu in YE 42 and gradually improved over the years.

The development of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) dates back many centuries in the past. But it was looked to as a solution to an issue the Ryu Keiretsu was having in its development of the M19 Ryoko Mecha. A Fire Support Frame for the Star Army of Yamatai, RyuK engineers felt it was important that the Ryoko have a means of conducting its own terrain surveys and generating cartography data of foreign worlds it could be deployed to.

The project initially started as a simple SAR package but gradually expanded into its current form. Initially found only in the M19 Ryoko, Ryu Heavy Industries was working to miniaturize the technology with the first personal sized unit implemented in the RHI Type 43 "Yuuki" Combat Helmet year later. Yugumo Corporation incorporated the technology into their Sorakagami Aerospace Operations Suite in YE 44.

The primary component of the RyuK ViSAR is the active phased array. Typically consisting of three modules (forward and slightly to the sides), the graphene enhanced phased arrays are capable of broadcasting in a wide range of frequencies. The ViSAR is capable of operating in ultrawide band or high power modes. To operate, the ViSAR requires an AI supported with a quantum computer such as the KAIMON and 'Destiny' AI System to operate and conduct signal processing.

Due to the lack of ability to detect color, all visual data produced by ViSAR sensors is in greyscale. This can be colorized based archived data, for example a Ke-M2-4 Series "Mindy" Armor detected can be visualized in blues, greys, and teal typical of Yamataian livery.

The ViSAR systems have a cost that varies based on their size. A unit built for a small craft¹⁾ is priced differently than a larger craft intended to serve as a carrier²⁾.

High Power Mode utilizes the full capabilities of ViSAR's advanced phased array system, emitting focused, continuous waves across specific frequency bands such as L, X, Ku, and EHF. This mode is pivotal for operations requiring long-distance observation, high-resolution mapping over vast areas, detect and monitor distant objects or landscapes.

The continuous, high-energy signals characteristic of this mode, while offering extensive coverage and penetrating capabilities, also mean that ViSAR's presence is more detectable to sophisticated sensing equipment. However, the trade-off comes with unmatched advantages in environmental adaptability — allowing for reliable operation in various atmospheric conditions, from heavy rain to dense fog. This mode ensures that essential operations, such as search and rescue missions or long-range navigation, can proceed without interruption.

Ultra wideband (UWB) Mode represents a paradigm shift in radar technology, employing rapid, low-energy pulse emissions that span a wide frequency range. This stealthy operation mode is designed for tasks where subtlety and high resolution are crucial, such as tactical reconnaissance or operations in sensitive environments. Unlike the more detectable High Power Mode, UWB's low-profile emissions make it ideal for covert operations, offering a significant tactical advantage by reducing the likelihood of detection by enemy sensors.

UWB Mode excels in applications requiring detailed analysis of objects or structures, whether for military, archaeological, or infrastructure inspection purposes. The mode's ground penetration radar capabilities allow for the visualization of underground facilities, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or hidden compartments within buildings, providing invaluable insights that can alter the course of missions. Additionally, the ability to see through obstacles like walls or foliage extends the operational scope of ViSAR, making it a critical tool for urban warfare, disaster response, and law enforcement operations, where understanding the unseen can save lives and ensure mission success.

ViSAR is available is various sizes. Detailed below are the effective ranges before signals within 1 Standard Yamataian atmosphere rapidly degrade due to atmospheric attenuation. Power systems such as fusion and Aether is required to operate the ViSAR in continuous mode, regulating the mode to “armor” tiered systems and above for mobile platforms.

ViSAR has wide-ranging applications due to its ability to visualize obscure or hidden objects in real-time, making it an indispensable tool across various fields.

In the realm of defense and security, the versatility of ViSAR technology offers the ability to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence, irrespective of environmental visibility conditions. For instance, during nighttime operations or in adverse weather conditions where conventional vision systems fail, ViSAR can penetrate the darkness or fog to provide clear imagery to military strategists and field operatives. Furthermore, its ground-penetrating capabilities allow for the detection of subterranean structures or mines, adding an extra layer of safety and tactical advantage in ground operations.

Moreover, the technology's application in border security and facility protection underscores its value in maintaining a secure perimeter. By enabling constant monitoring of border lines or sensitive areas without the limitation posed by physical barriers or camouflage techniques used by infiltrators, ViSAR acts as a continuous and unblinking eye.

In aerospace applications, ViSAR technology revolutionizes navigation and surveillance capabilities, especially in planetary exploration and satellite-based observation. Spacecraft equipped with ViSAR systems can map out celestial bodies' surfaces with unprecedented detail, penetrating cloud cover or surface dust that would obscure optical sensors. This allows for detailed analysis of planetary geology, identification of water sources, and even the selection of landing sites for future missions, all conducted from orbit with a level of precision previously unattainable.

Meteorology also benefits immensely from ViSAR's ability to provide real-time data on weather patterns. ViSAR's higher resolution and penetration capabilities offer a more detailed view of meteorological phenomena in addition to high power mode being capable of tracking these phenomena. By detecting and analyzing the moisture content, wind velocities, and other critical factors with greater accuracy, meteorologists can predict severe weather events with improved precision, offering earlier warnings.

ViSAR's ground-penetrating capabilities opens new frontiers in geology and environmental science. Geologists can use ViSAR to map underground formations, detect fault lines, and uncover preliminary (unable to determine what the deposits) mineral deposits without the need for invasive drilling or exploration methods.

Environmental scientists benefit from ViSAR's comprehensive overview of ecosystems, tracking changes in vegetation, water bodies, and land use over time. The technology's ability to penetrate through foliage and shallow ground enables the detailed study of soil moisture levels, biomass estimates, and even sub-surface peat fires, contributing valuable data to climate change studies and conservation efforts. By monitoring environmental changes with such detail and over vast areas, ViSAR helps formulate more effective strategies for environmental protection and management.

Demibear created this article on 2023/06/28 19:40.

Approval Thread: https://stararmy.com/roleplay-forum/threads/visual-synthetic-aperture-radar-visar.71854/