Use of a Self-Focusing Antenna for Low-Angle Tracking

Abstract

The response of a self-focusing antenna to two closely spaced point targets is investigated. The geometry simulated corresponds to the radar tracking of a low-flying target over a reflective surface. In one case the antenna consists of a vertical linear array of elements. When the conjugates of the incident signals are retransmitted at each element, after several iterations the antenna radiation pattern introduces significant discrimination against the weaker of the two unresolvable point targets. In the other case the same aperture is divided into two equal subapertures, and conjugate reflections are applied to the two subapertures rather than to each element. It is found that very nearly the same weak-target discrimination results. The implications of these results with regard to low-angle tracking are discussed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 28, 1973
Accession Number
AD0764052

Entities

People

  • James H. Hughen

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Antenna Lobes
  • Antenna Radiation Patterns
  • Antennas
  • Arrays
  • Classification
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Discrimination
  • Geometry
  • Low Angles
  • Military Research
  • Radar Tracking
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Simulations

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects