An experimental active aperture array for L-band high power active phased array radar

The paper presents on the design concepts, architecture, system integration and testing I evaluation of an experimental small size 64-element active aperture array in L-band radar frequency, proving its scalability to large active phased array applications in the present day new class of active phased array radar systems. The constituent subsystems of active aperture array viz., microwave TIR (transmit I receive) module key elements, radiating elements, RF feed network, distributed beam steering unit, distributed low profile high efficiency PSUs (power supply units), mechanical and thermal aspects, have all been design realised, productionised and consequently integrated as active array unit building blocks. The performance of this small size active aperture array system in terms of its subsystem level capabilities, system level pattern characteristics, beam steering over large scan angle (± 60°) and thermal management for the full transmit duty, has been evaluated, thus establishing the new technology base.