IMSAR
IMSAR LLC designs and manufactures low-SWaP Synthetic Aperture Radar systems for Group 1-5 unmanned aerial systems and manned aircraft, serving U.S. and allied defense agencies, homeland security, and international defense integrators with multimode SAR/MTI sensors deployed across 30+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersSpringville, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What IMSAR does
IMSAR LLC, founded in 2004 by Ryan Smith in Springville, Utah, designs and manufactures low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems for integration onto unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned aircraft. The company's product portfolio spans five core radar models — NSP-2, NSP-3, NSP-5, NSP-7, and NSP-8 — covering Group 1 through Group 5 UAS classifications and manned platforms, plus specialized variants including PSAR for stratospheric/HALE platforms and ONESAR for very small UAS. Each system supports multimode operation including SAR imaging (Stripmap, Spotlight, SAR Motion Video), Coherent and Magnitude Change Detection (CCD/MCD), and Moving Target Indication modes (GMTI, DMTI, MMTI, AMTI, ISAR). The complementary Lisa 3D mission management software provides command-and-control and Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) functionality, and a Radar Control API enables third-party integration.
IMSAR generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of its pod-based radar systems, supplemented by processing servers, software licensing, and integration and support services. Sales are quote-based via a direct enterprise field-sales motion with regional offices in Springville, UT (headquarters, R&D, and 60,000 sq ft manufacturing), Arlington, VA (East Coast business development), and Bath, UK (European sales). The company sells to U.S. defense and homeland security agencies (DoD, DHS, U.S. Marine Corps), international defense forces, civil government agencies, and UAS OEMs/integrators (Schiebel, TEKEVER, Textron, Insitu, AeroVironment, CarteNav, and others). Systems have been deployed in 30+ countries across 100+ unique aerial platforms, including a Program of Record designation (AN/DPY-2) for the USMC RQ-21A Blackjack Tactical UAS. IMSAR has held AS9100D aerospace certification since 2018 and operates as a privately held LLC with no disclosed external funding.
The company has recently tripled its manufacturing footprint (April 2026), launched the NanoSAR D miniaturized radar (April 2026), and was added to China's export control list (June 2026). Operations remain founder-led, with Ryan Smith as CEO, Larry Moore as President (since 2024), David Trent as COO, Chris Galbraith as CFO, and Luke Kunz as VP of Engineering.
IMSAR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IMSAR
- Legal name
- IMSAR LLC
- Website
- https://imsar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- IMSAR LLC designs and manufactures low-SWaP Synthetic Aperture Radar systems for Group 1-5 unmanned aerial systems and manned aircraft, serving U.S. and allied defense agencies, homeland security, and international defense integrators with multimode SAR/MTI sensors deployed across 30+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where IMSAR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Springville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
IMSAR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Radar Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary low-SWaP SAR radar systems (NSP-2, NSP-3, NSP-5, NSP-7, NSP-8) as pod-based payload systems for UAS and manned aircraft platforms.
- Processing Solutions: Sale of ground and air servers for radar data processing, along with mission management software (Lisa 3D).
- Integration & Support Services: Integration and operational support including on-site field operations specialist, training courses (4-day training included), warranty and software updates.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom radar system packages |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
IMSAR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IMSAR designs, manufactures, and supports low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) payload systems for Group 1-5 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned aircraft. The portfolio spans Stripmap/Spotlight SAR imaging, Coherent and Magnitude Change Detection (CCD/MCD), and ground/dismount/maritime/airborne MTI modes, complemented by the Lisa 3D mission management software, ground and airborne processing servers, and a Radar Control API for integration into third-party mission suites.
Product overview
IMSAR offers a comprehensive portfolio of low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems designed for integration on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS) and manned aircraft. The product line spans five main radar models (NSP-2, NSP-3, NSP-5, NSP-7, NSP-8) covering Group 1-5 UAS classifications, plus specialized variants including PSAR for stratospheric platforms and ONESAR for small UAS. These multi-mode radars provide SAR imaging, change detection (CCD/MCD), and moving target indication (GMTI, DMTI, MMTI, AMTI, ISAR) capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The ecosystem includes Lisa 3D mission management software for command/control and data processing, ground/air processing servers, and specialized mission kits. The company also offers a Radar Control API for third-party software integration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NSP Product Family: Radar product line including NSP-2, NSP-3, NSP-5, NSP-7, and NSP-8 multi-mode SAR/MTI radar systems for UAS and manned aircraft
- Lisa 3D
- NanoSAR
Products and services
- NSP-2 Extremely lightweight multi-mode SAR/GMTI payload designed for Group 1-2 unmanned aerial systems. Provides actionable intelligence in ground-based and maritime environments and is available in MCD-only or MCD & CCD variants.
- NSP-3 Combat-proven industry standard SAR/MTI radar for Group 2-3 unmanned aerial systems. Delivers reliable multi-mode operation for ground and maritime missions without compromising platform endurance. Features SAR, CCD/MCD, GMTI, DMTI, MMTI, and ISAR capabilities at 5.9 lbs and under 74W.
- NSP-5 Multi-mode SAR/MTI radar for Group 3-4 unmanned aerial systems that leverages increased transmit power and larger aperture for extended operational range. Features enhanced wide-area search and tracking performance at 16.5 lbs and 130-190W, and is the payload selected for the US Marine Corps RQ-21A Blackjack Program of Record (AN/DPY-2, Split Aces).
- NSP-7 Ruggedized extended-range multi-mode SAR for Group 4-5 UAS and manned aircraft. Engineered for the rugged demands of manned aircraft and large UAS, providing robust long-range performance with improved MTI at standoff distances at 24 lbs and 190W.
- NSP-8 Premier high-altitude strategic ISR radar combining a high-precision IMU with maximum system power for deep-look SAR imaging and sensitive Dismount Moving Target Indication at extended standoff ranges. Ku-band, multi-channel, airborne multimode radar at <26 lbs and 400W, with SAR imaging resolutions from 0.1 to 10 m, SAR imaging range of 19-72 km, and GMTI vehicle detection out to 39 km.
- PSAR (Stratospheric SAR) Low-SWaP SAR designed for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, HAPS, unmanned balloons, and other stratospheric platforms. Uses a low-loss additive-manufactured aluminum antenna as both structural and thermal component, enabling multiple modes from over 60,000 feet AGL.
- ONESAR Single-channel Ku- or X-band miniature radar system designed for integration into small fixed-wing and multirotor UAS. Features a mechanical gimbal and lightweight integrated IMU with an extremely low SWaP profile.
- NanoSAR D New miniaturized radar product representing a new standard in small-form-factor SAR technology. Announced with first flight demonstration in April 2026.
- Lisa 3D Mission Management Software Fully integrated mission management software providing mission planning, command and control (C2), and Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) functionality. Supports real-time analysis of data from radars, EO/IR payloads, vessel AIS, and other sensors, with Auto-Collect modes and a Visual Guidance feature for in-flight collection accuracy.
- Ground and Air Processing Servers Processing solutions for ground-based and airborne radar data processing that transform raw radar signals into real-time imagery and tracks.
Quantifiable outcome
- Radar systems operate in 30+ countries worldwide
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IMSAR
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
IMSAR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability6 records
Feature8 records
IMSAR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- TEKEVERmajorPartnership to integrate advanced SAR technology into TEKEVER's unmanned aerial systems for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
- SchiebelmajorIMSAR SAR integrated with Schiebel's CAMCOPTER S-100 VTOL UAS, providing high-resolution imaging, GMTI, and all-weather operational capabilities.
- CarteNavmajorIntegration of IMSAR NanoSAR family radars into CarteNav's AIMS-ISR product suite, providing multimode radar capabilities within AIMS-ISR's Local Operating Picture.
- European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)coreEMSA using IMSAR radar on Textron Aerosonde UAS for maritime surveillance over Baltic Sea region supporting Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian authorities.
- OptisysminorCollaboration to create low-SWaP radar array for HALE platforms using Optisys' 3D-printed antenna technology combined with IMSAR radar systems.
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)coreLong-standing relationship for deployment of SAR/MTI radar capabilities. IMSAR has won DoD contracts and deployed radar systems in operational theaters including Afghanistan for over 4 years.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)corePartnership for deploying new radar capabilities for homeland security missions including border surveillance and maritime security.
- U.S. Marine CorpscoreNSP-5 SAR/MTI selected as payload for RQ-21A Blackjack Tactical UAS Program of Record (Split Aces project), designated AN/DPY-2.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
IMSAR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Echodyne: US-based manufacturer of small, low-SWaP radar panels for UAS, counter-UAS, and autonomous platforms. Echodyne competes most directly with IMSAR's NSP-2/NSP-3 in the Group 1-3 tactical UAS market using metamaterials-based radar rather than SAR.
- MetaSensing: Netherlands-based SAR and radar developer producing compact airborne SAR payloads for drones and small aircraft. Directly comparable to IMSAR's NanoSAR family in target market, SWaP class, and dual-use defense/security applications.
- RADA Electronic Industries: Israeli tactical radar specialist (now part of Leonardo DRS) producing compact hemispheric radars for active protection and counter-UAS. Operates in the same low-SWaP tactical radar niche targeting defense customers with small-platform sensor needs.
- SRC Inc. US defense not-for-profit contractor developing low-SWaP counter-UAS and surveillance radars, including multi-mission radar payloads for tactical UAS. Comparable customer base (DoD) and product positioning to IMSAR.
Broad incumbents
- Teledyne FLIR: Large US sensor manufacturer with a broad ISR payload portfolio for Group 1-5 UAS (including the Black Hornet nano-UAS and EO/IR gimbals). Competes with IMSAR as a sensor-of-choice for tactical UAS primes, particularly in EO/IR-adjacent programs.
- Lockheed Martin: Largest US defense prime with broad radar portfolio (AN/APY, AN/TPY, and various airborne ISR systems including active SAR programs). Shown as an IMSAR integration partner for some platforms, but also a potential competitor on larger radar programs.
- Raytheon (RTX): Major US defense prime with deep airborne radar heritage across missiles and ISR. IMSAR's VP Engineering was previously at Raytheon Missile Systems; Raytheon's scale and prime-contractor position make it the most credible competitive threat as low-SWaP SAR becomes a strategic priority.
- Leonardo: Italian defense prime operating across radars (Osprey, Gabbiano, surveillance radar family) and tactical sensors. Competes with IMSAR in European NATO markets for airborne ISR payloads and now owns RADA, a direct tactical-radar peer.
- Saab: Swedish defense group producing airborne surveillance radars (Carabas ULTRA SAR, Giraffe, AESA fighter radars). Carabas ULTRA is a direct competitor to IMSAR's low-frequency SAR offerings for European and allied defense markets.
- Hensoldt: German sensor house specializing in radar, optronics, and electronic warfare for defense. Competitor in European airborne and naval radar markets and a logical partner/acquirer candidate given IMSAR's European customer footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IMSAR social profiles
Digital presenceIMSAR compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
IMSAR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IMSAR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
IMSAR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IMSAR M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IMSAR
What does IMSAR do?
IMSAR designs, manufactures, and supports low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) payload systems for Group 1-5 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned aircraft. The portfolio spans Stripmap/Spotlight SAR imaging, Coherent and Magnitude Change Detection (CCD/MCD), and ground/dismount/maritime/airborne MTI modes, complemented by the Lisa 3D mission management software, ground and airborne processing servers, and a Radar Control API for integration into third-party mission suites.
Is IMSAR a public or private company?
IMSAR is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was IMSAR founded?
IMSAR was founded in 2004. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is IMSAR based?
IMSAR is headquartered in Springville, United States, in the North America region.
How does IMSAR make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Radar Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are processing Solutions and integration & Support Services.
Who are IMSAR's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Echodyne, MetaSensing, RADA Electronic Industries and SRC Inc.. Broad incumbents are Teledyne FLIR, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon (RTX), Leonardo, Saab and Hensoldt.
Does IMSAR have an API?
Yes. IMSAR offers a Radar Control API for integration with third-party and custom-developed software suites. The API enables easy integration of IMSAR radar systems (NSP-3, NSP-5, NSP-7, ONESAR) with external mission management and command and control software. Operators can control radar operations, request data collection, and access radar products through the API.