Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker Antenna for High Speed

An electronically scanned conformal array is proposed for a new generation of air-to-air missile seeker antenna. This new type of antenna array has the potential to impact the capabilities and performance of new missiles in multiple areas. - Cost Reduction - The seeker antenna system proposed is predicted to be considerably simpler to manufacture thereby reducing the cost. - This conformal array approach removes the requirement for a costly radome assemblv. This will reduce boresight errors and power loss resulting from the radome and makes the area at the nose of the missile available for other complementary sensors. - The antenna system and the proposed associated feeds and operating system will preclude the need for phase shifters and other expensive phased array technology. - Gimballed antennas are not required. - The proposed antenna system will have a higher reliability with fewer parts and no moving parts. - Because of the absence of the radome requirement, the system is compatible with all seeker frequencies through 94 GHZ. - No requirement for a rolling airframe to unmask monopulse blind areas. The array antenna achieves the electronic equivalent to a rolling monopulse by using banks of 8 elements, switched electronically, to achieve 2 sets of orthogonal views 45 degrees apart.