Strip SAR mode produces a continuous image strip parallel to the route of flight. Highest quality is achieved at what altitude and ground speed?

• A. 10,000 to 30,000 ft and 200 to 350 kts
• B. 5,000 to 15,000 ft and 100 to 150 kts
• C. 30,000 to 50,000 ft and 400 to 500 kts
• D. 0 to 5,000 ft and 50 to 100 kts

Answer: (A)

Strip SAR mode builds a continuous strip parallel to the flight path by coherently integrating radar returns as the aircraft moves. The image quality depends on finding a balance between altitude and ground speed. Operating at a moderate altitude, roughly ten to thirty thousand feet, gives a good compromise between swath width, incidence angle, and manageable geometric distortion while preserving resolution. A ground speed around two hundred to three hundred fifty knots provides enough along-track motion to form a longer synthetic aperture for strong azimuth resolution, while still keeping enough dwell time and energy per pixel for a clear image. If you fly too low, the strip narrows and foreshortening effects worsen; too high, the resolution degrades. If you fly too slowly, the synthetic aperture is short and azimuth resolution suffers; too fast, energy per pixel drops and processing becomes harder. Hence the mid-range altitude and speed yield the highest quality.