Conical Phased Array Antenna Investigations.

For missile seeker radars, the use of mechanically scanned antenna systems becomes increasingly difficult as the requirements for the aerodynamic and electrical performance of missiles become more demanding. One possible alternative to the use of mechanically scanned antennas lies in the application of flush-mounted slot antenna systems on metallic cones or ogival surfaces. These antenna systems would be inertialessly scanned in the required directions. The curvature of the particular conformal surfaces and the positional relationships of the radiating elements, however, introduce many problems which are different than those associated with planar electronically controlled arrays. As a consequence of these positional relationships, there may be no element that can be considered 'typical' so that impedances, patterns, and polarizations may vary significantly among the elements, in contrast to the conditions that are obtained in planar arrays for elements not too near the edge. In addition, since the radiating elements are not all similarly oriented, there may be a significant cross polarized component in the array pattern that could interfere with the desired system operation.
Also available as Rept. no. HAC-REF-2753/1691. DDC Form 55 not necessary for document request.