The butterfly: a broadband, aerodynamic antenna for airborne missile scoring using impulse radar

A description is given of the butterfly antenna which provides an aerodynamic replacement for the resistively loaded cone, for use with an airborne impulse radar. The missile-sensing system is described, and antenna requirements and developments are discussed. Results of measured performance are presented. The butterfly antenna is shown to give a clean pulse, although the pulse radiated sideways does have significant overshoot. The elevation pattern is broader and the efficiency is slightly higher than that in cones previously used.<>