ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF FEASIBILITY RFI ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR CONVAIR C-131 TURBOPROP AIRCRAFT AND KC-135 JET AIRCRAFT.

Abstract

Analysis and development of an RFI Antenna System was undertaken for use on the Convair C-131 turboprop and KC-135 jet aircrafts. The automatic direction finding system will locate sources of interference to FAA air navigation aids in the VOR-VHF Communications, Glide Slope, and Tacan frequency bands. Two antennas are used to cover the required frequency spectrum. Both antennas employ a characteristic null type radiation pattern for accurate RFI acquisition. The system provides the capability of fixing a target without the need of aircraft heading change, and performs within the electrical and mechanical specifications originally established as design goals. Concurrent with this design effort was a scale model study of these aircraft to justify antenna mounting locations. Tests indicated no adverse effects from aperture blockage or scattering from the airframe for the chosen locations. A scale model DC-3 aircraft was also tested for antenna adaption, but the posed limitation of available mounting locations resulted in questionable system reliability where 360 degrees spatial coverage is a requirement. However, the array used as a fixed forward looking installation for homing has a decided advantage.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0803445

Entities

People

  • H. Groschopp

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Navigation
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Direction Finding
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Glide Slope
  • Jet Aircraft
  • Models
  • Navigation
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Scale Models
  • Scattering
  • Turboprop Engines

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.