A 7-25 MHz high-power ten-element electronically scanned array for ionospheric backscatter measurements

A ten-element array of log-periodic monopole antennas with a power gain of about 20 dB is described. The individual elements are designed for input continuous wave (or peak) powers of 200 kW and differ somewhat from previous monopole configurations. The array element spacing is adjusted so that when it is electronically scanned in synchronism with the associated receiving array all side and grating lobes of the two-way pattern are down at least 20 dB. Element, array, and ground screen designs are discussed, as well as the model array mutual coupling measurements, electronic scanning systems and the associated coaxial transmission lines.