Technical Evaluation of Electronically Scanned TACAN Antennas.
Abstract
Two electronically scanned TACAN antennas were evaluated at Naval Electronic Systems Test and Evaluation Facility (NESTEF) to determine performance characteristics, monitoring techniques, sector scanning capabilities, RF losses, and azimuth accuracy degradation due to unwanted variations in the RF current distribution. Antenna range tests and flight tests were conducted on each antenna. Test results indicate that a single electronically scanned antenna can generate an acceptable TACAN signal over the entire TACAN frequency band; however, due to the physical characteristics, the azimuth accuracy does not equal that of a mechanical rotating antenna. In addition, monitoring and maintenance techniques will have to be expanded. It is recommended that the electronically scanned antennas undergo further tests under the conditions outlined in this report prior to being considered for service use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0913556
Entities
People
- P. A. Himmelheber