Measurement of vertical radiation patterns of OTH radar antenna array using a tethered aerostat

It is known that the vertical radiation patterns of a broadside array depend mainly on its element patterns, the vertical radiation pattern of a small array consisting of several elements can therefore represent the true array in a shortened test range. Using this effect, the vertical patterns of an experimental over the horizon (OTH) array were measured successfully using a tethered aerostat. An array with 32 elements was built over a sector conducting ground screen with square grids. Topics briefly mentioned include the aerostat´s stability and the communication system used to transfer the data from the aerostat to the ground.<>