Time for a change in phased array radar architectures - part I: Planar vs. conformal arrays

The well-known phased array radar architecture with four planar faces presents significant limitations for the azimuth coverage of 360 degrees due to the beam scanning up to 45 degrees. Today, a better time and energy efficiency can be obtained by circularly-symmetrical arrays having cylindrical or conical shape. Using separate transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) arrays with Digital Beam Forming in the Rx array adds some further operational flexibility in terms of coverage and revisit time.