ANALYSIS AND DEFINEMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF TACAN ANTENNAS.
Abstract
Pattern characteristics that are critical in the control of course roughness and receiver unlocks for all TACAN antennas are pattern slope, and tracking of the carrier and sidebands on the horizon. For the RTA-2 antenna there is an additional problem of cross polarized radiation. These, together with site reflections and receiver characteristics, are the principal limiting factors identified in the study. Analysis by Communication Systems, Incorporated, has shown that unsatisfactory pattern tracking between +5 degrees and -5 degrees results in rapid modulation cycling in the above-ground pattern. For a typical RTA-2 antenna installed 35 feet above the ground, the percent modulation varied from 28 percent to 38 percent between elevation angles of 0.3 degrees and 0.7 degrees respectively. The most promising techniques for improving performance at problem sites are (1) to increase the antenna height to 70 feet or greater or (2) to employ a space diversity technique that uses the existing ground installation and a second antenna. Both methods minimize siting as well as antenna effects and use existing ground and airborne equipment. For either technique, however, it is recommended that experimental verification be obtained at problem sites. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0649253
Entities
People
- Edward A Levine
- Nathan Marchand
- Philip Zenchoff