(U) Bi-static Geosynchronous/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (GEO/UAV) Space-Based Radar (SBR)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Bi-static Geosynchronous/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (GEO/UAV) Space-Based Radar concept has been developed by ESC.  This concept has the same GEO transmitting satellites as the GEO/MEO concept, but uses phased arrays mounted on UAVs instead of the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites as receivers.  It is estimated that a fleet of at least 40 UAVs would be required to maintain 5 UAVs on station in each of 2 theaters, deployed from CONUS.  This system has the advantages that few satellites need to be launched (only three or four), and that significant capability would be available from the time that the first GEO satellite is in orbit.  The tradeoffs are the significant cost in deployment and logistics associated with the UAV fleet, and the deployment time to the AOR.  This concept could be used as a stepping stone to provide capability while developing a GEO/MEO system.  If the transmitting satellites were launched first, UAVs could provide coverage during the time that the MEO receiver satellite constellation was being launched.

Description: (U)
(U) A Bi-static GEO Space-Based Radar would include a constellation of 3-4 GEO transmitters equipped with an L-band radar for airborne warning and control missions which would require a 100 m dish that would weigh 30,000 lbs and require 20 kw of power.  A Joint STARS-like radar in geosynchronous orbit would function in the S-band and would require a 25 m dish which would weigh 6,000 lbs and require 2 kw or power.

(U) The UAV receive element would require a minimum of 25-40 unmanned aerial vehicles to ensure that five were available at all times to provide radar coverage of two theaters.  The UAVs would be required to fly at 20 km altitude and would be fitted with a 6 x 1 m Rx array.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 10/1996 (1QFY1997).
	(U) FOC: 10/1999 (1QFY2000).
		(U)  The IOC is for road map purposes only and represents the possible program start date.  The anticipated IOC date for SBR is FY2020.

(U) Organizations and Funding:
	(U) ESC: Funding Source.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) BI-STATIC GEO/MEO SBR, Future Space-Based Radar, MONO-STATIC SBR

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) SBR

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)