United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Harvey E Tobin

Peter R Franchi

Robert J Mailloux

Jeffrey Simmers

A method to measure the far field antenna pattern of an experimental antenna on a smaller range than conventionally used. The basic innovation of the present invention is that the implementation is moved in straight line, toward or away from the antenna under test (AUT), and the measurements are taken while the AUT is rotated about its phase center in a manner that is synchronized with the radial probe.

Linear near field test facility and process

In order to measure the far field antenna pattern of a phased array antenna, the phased array is focused at a probe antenna which is a specific distance away from the aperture. The antenna pattern is then measured by moving the probe antenna on an elliptical arc about the antenna under test.

Elliptical near field test facility

In order to measure the far field antenna pattern of a phased array antenna, the phased array is focused at a probe antenna which is a specific distance away from the aperture. The antenna pattern is then measured by moving the probe antenna on a constant focal arc. This arc minimizes phase aberrations due to defocusing error. To minimize amplitude errors, the pattern of the probe antenna is carefully matched to compensate for the variation induced amplitude error.

ARC range test facility

A method for measuring the far field antenna pattern of a large phased array antenna on a conventional far field range by applying a correction factor to the antenna phase shifters. As the antenna is electronically steered to each of its scan angle, a particular correction factor is applied to each radiating elements to correct the far field antenna pattern to the shortened far field range.

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Brookline, MA, United States of America

Harvey E Tobin