Demonstration of an Inverted Stewart Platform Target-Suspension System Using Lightweight, High-Tensile Strings

This paper presents the design, development, and testing of an inverted Stewart platform for suspending and positioning targets during RF antenna and signature testing. Previous string target-support systems have used multiple-string-attachment-point configurations that do not allow the target roll or pitch to be modified during the azimuthal data collection. This presentation will discuss an in-house development of a scale model target-support system that allows for high-accuracy simultaneous target roll and pitch positioning. The inverted Stewart platform also offers unique stability of the target by damping out the torsional pendulum motion typically encountered in conventional string-support systems. In this paper, we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the string-support concepts, and provide design guidance for building an inverted Stewart-platform support system.