Dual Band Frequency Scanned, Height Finder Antenna

Recently, the Georgia Tech Research Institute completed the development of a frequency scanned antenna for height finding applications with the novel capability for simultaneous elevation scanning in two microwave bands. This feature allows simultaneous, independent, determinations of target height for improved performance under adverse conditions such as multi-path or external interference. The antenna consisted of a parabolic cylinder reflector and a line source feed. The line source feed consisted of a serpentine waveguide with a coupler and radiating horn in each loop of the serpentine waveguide. The closest known prior realization of such an antenna used a helical feed with slot radiators and was described by Foster and Croney [1]. Our approach had a much greater bandwidth, ease of fabrication, and improved polarization purity. A full description of the hardware and measured results will be presented.