SARPER is an airborne side-looking radar system that generates high-resolution ground imagery by utilizing the motion of the host platform to create a synthetic aperture. Unlike conventional real-aperture radars, SAR technology allows significantly higher image resolution independent of physical antenna size. The system is optimized to maintain operational effectiveness in adverse weather conditions, including rain, clouds, fog, and nighttime environments, where electro-optical systems are limited.

Operational Purpose and Role

The primary mission roles of SARPER include:

• Tactical and operational-level ISR missions
• Border security and wide-area surveillance
• Maritime surveillance and sea surface target detection
• Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI)
• Post-disaster damage assessment and crisis management

Within modern ISR doctrine, SARPER ensures persistent surveillance capability under all weather conditions. It complements electro-optical and infrared systems by providing radar-based imagery when visibility is degraded.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

SARPER supports multiple operational modes tailored to different mission requirements:

• Stripmap Mode: Continuous imaging of wide areas with medium-to-high resolution, ideal for border monitoring and area surveillance.
• Spotlight Mode: Focused observation of a selected target area, producing higher resolution imagery for detailed target analysis.
• GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indication): Detection and tracking of moving ground targets such as vehicles or convoys.
• ISAR (Inverse SAR): High-quality imaging of maritime targets, supporting vessel classification and identification.
• Maritime Search Mode: Optimized for sea surface scanning in search-and-rescue and naval surveillance operations.

These modes can be dynamically managed through an integrated mission computer and operator interface.

System Architecture

SARPER consists of three primary subsystems:

Antenna and RF Subsystem

• Side-looking radar configuration
• Automatic antenna steering and stabilization
• Motion compensation algorithms

Mission Computer and Processing Unit

• Real-time SAR image formation
• GMTI signal processing
• Automatic motion compensation

Data Interface and Communication Layer

• STANAG 7023 compliant SAR image formatting
• STANAG 4607 compliant GMTI data formatting
• NATO-compatible data exchange

This architecture enables seamless integration into network-centric warfare systems.

Survivability and Reliability

SARPER is designed in compliance with military environmental standards. The radar is protected by a platform-compatible radome that ensures aerodynamic compatibility and environmental resilience. Built-In Test (BIT) capability enables system health monitoring before and during missions.

Specific electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities are not publicly disclosed. However, given its military design intent, the system is expected to incorporate anti-jamming and interference mitigation measures.

Performance and Capability

Publicly available specifications include:

• Maximum operational altitude: 30,000 ft (approximately 9,144 meters)
• Multi-mode SAR imaging capability
• GMTI capability
• ISAR maritime imaging capability

Detailed parameters such as maximum detection range, frequency band, and exact resolution values are not publicly disclosed.

Integrated Ecosystem

SARPER can be integrated into:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Light manned reconnaissance aircraft
• Maritime patrol aircraft

When combined with ASELSAN mission systems and data links, it forms a complete ISR sensor package.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• All-weather operational capability
• Detection of camouflaged or concealed targets
• Wide-area surveillance in short timeframes
• NATO-compliant data interoperability

Limitations include the need for complementary sensors for visual identification and sufficient bandwidth for real-time data transmission.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

Exact dimensions and weight are not publicly disclosed. The system is modular and platform-configurable.

Power System

Powered by the host aircraft. Power consumption data is not publicly disclosed.

Performance Parameters

• Maximum altitude: 30,000 ft
• Multi-mode SAR imaging
• GMTI moving target detection
• ISAR maritime imaging

Maximum range and ground resolution values are not publicly disclosed.

Sensors and Detection

• Synthetic Aperture Radar technology
• Side-looking configuration
• Automatic antenna stabilization
• Motion compensation capability

Operating frequency band is not publicly disclosed.

Target Detection and Tracking

• Ground moving target detection (GMTI)
• Maritime imaging (ISAR)
• STANAG 4607 compliant data output

Simultaneous track capacity is not publicly disclosed.

Engagement Capability

SARPER is a sensor system and does not have direct engagement or weapon capability.

Command, Control and Data Links

• STANAG 7023 SAR image format
• STANAG 4607 GMTI format
• NATO-compatible data integration

Electronic Warfare Resistance

Detailed ECCM parameters are not publicly available.

Deployment and Mobility

Airborne system integrated into host aircraft. Includes Built-In Test capability for mission readiness.

Personnel and Operational Concept

Operable via onboard mission operator (manned aircraft) or via ground control station in UAV configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SARPER used for?

• SARPER is used for airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. It produces high-resolution radar imagery regardless of weather or lighting conditions.

What is SARPER’s maximum range?

• The maximum detection and imaging range has not been publicly disclosed. Performance depends on mission mode and flight altitude.

What types of targets can it detect?

• It can detect stationary and moving ground targets, as well as maritime surface vessels through ISAR and maritime search modes.

What is the radar resolution?

• Exact resolution figures are not publicly disclosed. Spotlight mode provides higher resolution than Stripmap mode.

Is SARPER mobile?

• Yes. It is an airborne system integrated into aircraft or UAV platforms.

Which platforms can carry SARPER?

• It can be integrated into UAVs, light reconnaissance aircraft, and maritime patrol aircraft.

What are its equivalents?

• Comparable systems exist internationally from companies such as Leonardo and Raytheon. However, detailed technical comparisons are limited due to restricted public data.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN corporate website product pages
• Open-source defense industry publications