Synthesis of a large conical array

Conformal Arrays offer many potential advantages over planar arrays, such as maintaining beam gain over wide fields of view and the possibility of better integration into a platform with a predefined shape. For example, Airborne Intercept (AI) Radars have traditionally used planar arrays. However their field of view is restricted to a semi-cone scan angle of about 60°, and the beam gain falls by about 3dB at edge of scan. Conformal arrays such as the sphere, cylinder or cone can be designed to scan and maintain beam gain over angles greater than the forward hemisphere. A large conical array capable of providing full hemispherical coverage is used as an example to illustrate the beam forming properties of a conformal array and make comparisons with a multifaceted planar array.