Analysis and Design of Modifications for Improved Performance of the AFIT Radar Cross Section Measurement Chamber
Abstract
This research effort investigated improvements and characterization of the AFIT RCS measurement chamber. The two main areas of improvement included the support pedestal and antennas. Characterization included antenna and system performance as pertains to aliasing, noise floor and quiet zone definition. Support pedestal improvement involved consideration of the three primary types used; the suspension line support, foamed plastic columns, and ogive-shaped metal pylon. Antenna improvement included installing broad bandwidth, low side- lobe antennas. These were mounted so that they could be easily rotated for polarization selection, and so that they provided a good approximation to a backscatter angle of zero degrees without incurring high antenna coupling. System aliasing measurements and analysis was performed to ensure that the full bandwidth capacity of the antennas was achievable without causing alias error signals to enter the target zone. Noise floor data was taken to determine the degree of sensitivity improvement after modifications. Quiet zone characterization was designed to verify predictions and provide actual dimensions for measurement analysis. Additionally, the quiet zone measurements provided information as to the pedestal location relative to the focus of the antenna. Theses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223352
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Hunt
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology