CRUSOE: A Low SWaP UWB Optoelectronic Radar Demonstrator

Pulsed Ultra-Wideband (UWB) optoelectronic sources offer numerous advantages for radar systems, including enhanced range resolution, discretion, and a reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) footprint. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in incorporating these sources into radar systems, which is currently a key focus in research. This study presents the development of the first radar demonstrator compatible with airborne systems incorporating a UWB optoelectronic source. The paper is constructed as follows: first, the design, production, and testing of a UWB optoelectronic source compatible with airborne systems, second, the development of the demonstrator reception chain, and third, the integration of the source and receiver chain within the radar demonstrator.