HAS59
I agree and this has been the way ahead for the US for some time
Discoverer II (DII)
Sentinel was almost obsolete before ISD! 30cm resolution spot SAR is quoted in the above which is pretty damn good.
I will also mention Predators and Reapers - they give some
significant advantages over Sentinel's one big trick of wide area SAR in that:
1. They have a better SAR resolution capability.
2. They are able to ID with other sensors (like their EO/IR ball).
3. Having achieved positive ID they can
finish a confirmed hostile target.
4. They can loiter longer.
5. They have the ability to carry wide area sensors like GORGON STARE, DB-110 and also maritime RADAR at the expense of the weapon fit.
I'm not saying UAV is the be all and end all, but when we are money constrained I would rather take this capability that can deliver 5 things over Sentinel's 1.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Sentinel is a one-trick pony that at times has been almost lame due to its poor datalinks, lack of endurance and other significant issues with some of its systems that still don't work. We, the UK military, can't afford it and so come 2015 it should be time for the knackers yard!
No sweeties for me either!
LJ