A design method for very long linear arrays

A method for designing a very long, nonresonant, linear array has been developed in which the array is considered to consist of a finite number of elements in tandem. Each element is made up of a group of identical slots and is assumed to reflect a negligible amount of power. The number of slots in each element depends on the aperture taper and on the minimum manufacturing tolerance. The array design formula is derived and presented in both recursion and series form. Design calculations enable either the dissipative attenuation in db for each element or an equivalent element conductance to be determined. The design method was used in conjunction with the construction of an array several hundred wavelengths long. The resultant antenna pattern and input VSWR are described.