Phased Array Radars

Naval Weapons Systems

Limitations of Mechanical
Scanning Radars
Positioning Antenna is SLOW
Reduced reaction times
Blind Sided!
Mechanical error
Electronic Scanning
Increased Data Rates
Instantaneous Beam Positioning
Elimination of Mechanical Errors
Multi-mode Operation
Multi-target capability

Phased Array / SPY 1D
Phase Concept
Principle of Operation
The electromagnetic energy received
at a point in space from two or more
closely spaced radiating elements is a
maximum when the energy from
each radiating element arrives at the
point in phase.
Phase Relationships
Constructive
Interference
Destructive
Interference
Generating a Directional Main
Lobe in a Phased Array Radar
Altering the Phase to
Change the Axis
Boresight
Axis
Radiating in Phase
Boresight
Axis
Wave Fronts of Maximum Energy
Beam Positioning
P
Point P where all waves
arrive in phase
Methods of Beam Steering
3 Kinds
Time Delay Scanning
Frequency Scanning
Phase Scanning
Methods of Beam Steering
Time Delay Scanning
Use of time delay to achieve the desired
phase relationship
Time delay networks installed in front
of each radiating element
Expensive, Complex & Heavy
Time Delay Scanning

d
Methods of Beam Steering
Frequency Scanning
The physical length of the wave guide
to delay the frequency interval
Vary the frequency about a base
frequency
Very simple and relatively inexpensive.
AN/SPS-48
Frequency Scanning
Wave guide
feed horns
Wave guide
Case #1
All Waves
transmitted
are in phase
Wave guide
Case #2
Waves
transmitted
are phase
shifted
Methods of Beam Steering
Phase Scanning
Radiating elements fed by phase-
shifting networks (Phasers)
Phasers are electronically adjustable
More expensive than frequency
scanning but cheaper than time delay
Most widely used SPY1
SPY-1
Phase Scanning
Phasers!!
Fleet Uses of Electronic
Scanning
Ticonderoga
Arleigh Burke
SPS-48 Air Search
AN/SPS 48
Angular Resolution
Cross-Range Resolution
Antenna beam width
Range
For accurate angular resolution need
very long antenna (~10 km long!)
Motion of the transmitter/receiver
simulates long antenna
SAR
Synthetic Aperture Array
Radar
* Uses the same theory of electronic scanning.

* Motion of the antenna used as the
antenna aperture

* Sequential instead of simultaneous

* High resolution imaging from aircraft
SAR
Electronic Scanning Summary
Multiple functions
Search
Track (so, TWS)
Beam Steering
Time delay, Frequency, and Phase
scanning
VERY BASIC LOOK AT
ELECTRONIC SCANNING!


QUESTIONS?