The document summarizes research from the Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory (MISL) at the University of Birmingham on the SIMITAR project. SIMITAR aims to develop a low frequency MIMO towed array radar system that can be carried on small unmanned aircraft to provide persistent surveillance over wide areas, detecting slow-moving concealed targets under foliage from long ranges. Initial theoretical studies indicate the feasibility of a 25m array weighing 3kg and using 5W of power. The next stage of research involves building a prototype to confirm the theoretical findings through operational trials, with the goal of eventually developing a commercial surveillance product.

1. Marketplace 2016
Sukhjit Pooni
Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory
(MISL)
University of Birmingham

2. MISL
• the radar research group at the
University of Birmingham
• scope: radar systems research
for defence, security and remote
sensing
• 25 full members of staff
• possibly the biggest University
radar research group in UK

3. SIMITAR
Persistent surveillance from the air with a low frequency MIMO towed array
Proof of concept study
• building FOliage PENetrating radar (FOPEN)
• operating from High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)
• using Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) towed array
• Moving Target Indication/Synthetic Aperture Radar
(MTI/SAR) capability
MIMO towed array
• creates long virtual array while drastically reducing
amount of antenna elements
• overcomes size, weight and power (SWaP) restrictions
of small aircraft

4. Success to date
Parameter from Theoretical Study Value
Minimum Detectable Velocity 1m/s
Stand off for Target RCS=1m2 10-20km
Size (4Tx by 16Rx) 25m
Weight 3kg
Power 5W

5. What next?
Next stage
• build representative model system
• conduct trials in simulated operational scenario to confirm theoretical
findings
• roadmap to commercial exploitation and development of product
specifications to begin transfer of technology into a future product
Future Impact of SIMITAR
• all-weather, day/night, wide-area, persistent, real-time, surveillance sensor
• detecting and locating concealed (under foliage, behind buildings or small hills), slow-moving
targets under foliage
• small enough SWaP footprint to be carried on small, unmanned platforms
• modular technology - can add elements to the tow to increase performance. As HAPS payload
capacity evolves (Zephyr 7 till Gen-II), so does system performance
• generic technology - not restricted to HAPS or Ultra High Frequency (UHF), but any aircraft
and theoretically any frequency

6. We’re looking for…
From Marketplace audience?
• Partnerships with aerospace/defence industry to help take the
project from technology development to a commercial product
Where do you want to take the technology?
• The end goal is the development of a product. Phase 2 will bring
us to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-6, with a roadmap to
commercial exploitation beyond this stage

7. Contact
Dr. Mike Antoniou
SIMITAR lead investigator
Microwave Integrated System Laboratory (MISL)
University of Birmingham
m.antoniou@bham.ac.uk