Measurements of phased array antenna fields IN SITU: A few key aspects

This paper presents an experience gathered on near field and far field measurements in SITU, for the failure detection and troubleshooting of phased array antennas implemented in in-service air surveillance radars (the issue being to ensure the stability of the antenna performances of the associated radars elected for a longer and longer life). Although far field and near field measurements techniques offer limited accuracy when applied under uncontrolled and unpredictable environment, results still remain significant enough to quickly assess antenna degradations difficult to detect by other means. After a brief description of utilized measurements equipment, protocols and methods, two examples of application of antenna Far Field and Near Field measurements in situ are presented.