The objective of this research is a fast circular synthetic aperture radar (F-CSAR) algorithm. Slow-time imaging distinguishes synthetic aperture radar (SAR) from its predecessor imaging radars. SAR slow-time imaging is strongly rooted in Huygens-Fresnel principle and Kirchhoff's approximation based scalar diffraction theory. Slant-plane SAR Green's function and resultant Fourier integral, unlike some Fourier integrals, cannot be analyzed using residue theory from complex analysis and Cauchy-Riemann equations yield analyticity. The asymptotic expansion of 1D and 2D Fourier integrals renders a decomposition of the Green's function leading to SAR data focusing. The research unveils Fraunhofer diffraction patterns in 2D aperture synthesis formulation corresponding to various aperture shapes including circular aperture that appears to be an optimum aperture shape from the mathematical condition in the asymptotic expansion. It is shown that these diffraction patterns may be used for refocusing of defocused images. F-CSAR algorithm is demonstrated using Householder transform recently shown to have improved error bounds and stability. Research is also carried out into various interpolation schemes. Backprojection implementation of CSAR is compared to F-CSAR and elevation coverage renders 3D reconstruction. F-CSAR is also demonstrated using GTRI T-72 tank turntable data.

Approved for public release; distribution in unlimited. / On 1 October 2003 the USAF transferred control of its CONUS-based combat search and rescue(CSAR) assets from Air Combat Command to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Transferto AFSOC was CSAR's fourth major reorganization in twenty years, and was the latest in a turbulentprocession of attempts to improve the combat effectiveness of CSAR forces. Despite possessing anabundance of brave, motivated, and extremely capable personnel yearning to accomplish their mission, dysfunctional organizational arrays and nagging organizational constraints have prevented USAF dedicatedCSAR forces from "getting to the fight" for the onset of hostilities in three of this nation's past four majorarmed conflicts. Special operations forces had to fill the void. This analysis evaluates CSAR's positionwithin AFSOC's organizational array to determine if this latest reorganization is likely to produce durableimprovements in CSAR combat effectiveness. My conclusion is that "CSAR friendly" organizational cultureand effective organizational constructs within AFSOC Headquarters, combined with highly receptiveattitudes among CSAR crewmembers, form a historically unique organizational mix that favors the long termsuccess of CSAR forces in AFSOC. To ensure AFSOC's favorable organizational posture is translated toimproved combat capability, leadership must immediately increase CSAR representation on HHQ staffs. / Major, United States Air Force