Welcome to the AMTA paper archive. Select a category, publication date or search by author.
(Note: Papers will always be listed by categories. To see ALL of the papers meeting your search criteria select the "AMTA Paper Archive" category after performing your search.)
Superresolution (SR) processing techniques have been used for many years in direction finding applications. These techniques have proved valuable in extracting more information from a limited data set than conventional Fourier analysis would yield. SR techniques have recently proven to be an extremely powerful radar cross section (RCS) analysis tool. Typical resolution improvements of 2 to 30 times may be achieved over conventional Fourier-based range domain data in both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional image domains. Typical measurement scenarios which can most benefit from SP processing are presented. These include: VHF/UHF RCS measurements, measurement of resonant targets, and performing detailed scattering analysis on complex bodies. Measurement examples are presented illustrating the use of SR processing in a variety of test conditions. When the advantages of SR processing are combined with the accuracy of Fourier techniques, a new window is opened through which target scattering characteristics can be seen more clearly than ever.
This paper addresses measurement and data processing techniques for dynamic helicopter radar signatures. Data products are presented and interpreted to highlight the utility of instrumentation radar systems as a means for determining radar scattering characteristics of objects with rotating components. Investigation of rotor-body multipath phenomena in helicopter imagery cannot sufficiently resolve ambiguities regarding ray traces that contribute to observed scattering events. The diagnostic insights gained from concurrent doppler spectral data aid in resolving these ambiguities. Unique spectral signatures resulting from rotor-body interactions are investigated, and a methodology is developed for diagnosis of the responsible scattering mechanisms. The results provide valuable insights into the radar spectral signatures o conventional helicopters.
Range resolution of a radar image can be obtained by use of wide-band signal (linear FM or chirp waveform) and cross-range resolution by object rotation which synthesized a large antenna aperture (the so called ISAR method, refer [1]). Although both cross-range profiles can be resolved by rotation of the abject about two mutually orthogonal axes, however, the data manipulation would be quite cumbersome and the measurement implementation would require a mechanical support system by which the objet [sic] can be independently tilted and rotated relative to the radar axis. In this paper, the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART)[2] for tomography is used to resolve the vertical cross-range profile (along the axis normal to the ground) while the horizontal cross-range profile still resolved by ISAR method. Applications of the ART to a simple circular pattern and a complicated emblem pattern of the CSIST show that ART is a suitable approach and easier than ISAR method to obtain the second cross-range resolution.
This paper describes new developments in broadband Microwave power amplifiers for compact RADAR Cross Section (RCS) Ranges. The RF Power level of transmitters used in compact RCS ranges for the most part has been limited to a watt or two. This is due to the limitations of the power available from solid state RF amplifiers and the power handling capabilities of PIN diode switches, used to pulse modulate the RF amplifier output. Inherent impedance mismatches of the PIN diode switch, RF amplifier and RF output circuits produce reflections of RF energy. The reflected RF energy reverberates between the output circuits of the RF amplifier and the antenna. Reverberation of RF energy between mismatches continues until circuit losses reduce the energy to zero. These reverberations manifest as deterioration of the RF output pulse fall time waveshape. The radiated pulse fall time is extended and damped rather than abrupt. This deterioration of pulse waveshape, due to reverberations, is ring down time. RF pulse ring down deteriorates the resulting RCS measurements. New broadband microwave Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) technology, combined with extremely quiet power supplies and modulator, provide increased power, low noise floor and reduced ring down time resulting in improved RCS measurements.
The new HP 8530A microwave receiver has been designed specifically for antenna and radar cross section (RCS) measurement applications. With its capabilities and features, high-speed single parameter and multiple parameter measurements are possible. High-Speed measurements are a necessity for certain applications but oftentimes other factors will determine the actual test time. Measurement speed for various applications will be discussed and, more specifically, multiple parameter measurements using the HP 8530A’s internal multiplexer or external PIN switching.
The wave constraints typically placed on high-gain microwave antennas in a space environment, such as light weight construction and unfurlable deployment, preclude the rigid construction necessary to accurately maintain a required surface configuration over extended time periods. Present designs are limited by conventional, passive fabrication techniques. The ability to measure and control the antenna figure permits operation at tens of GHz, key to presently contemplated applications. The electro-optical figure sensor monitors the phase error of an antenna surface (parabolic or planar) by viewing optical fibers attached to the antenna, thereby providing feedback for active control of the antenna to a specified shape. Least-squares fitting of measurement data permits less stressful active control to the homologically-equivalent best-fit, or even the simpler tilt-alignment. Optical analytical techniques appear applicable to large, high-frequency antennas, offering new configuration designs and simpler analysis.
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of a turnkey mobile dynamic R.C.S. system, presently under design and development. The test system includes no less than 16 antennas, installed on two heavy duty tracking positioners, trailer mounted. The RF instrumentation is split over racks located on the positioners and in the mobile shelter housing the control equipment and operators and includes 14 receivers and 7 high power transmitters. The paper describes the antenna system, RF instrumentation, control and processing software as wek as operational and modularity aspects of this dynamic RCS facility.
As new military aircraft with low radar signatures pass from the design stage to production and deployment, the techniques for measuring and confirming their low signatures must move from the laboratory to the flight line. Measuring the RCS characteristics of carrier-based aircraft is particularly difficult because it must be done either while the aircraft is in flight or while it is one a crowded flight deck or hanger deck. This paper describes an approach to Navy flight-line RCS measurements that minimizes space, yet still provides enough information to identify a degradation in low signature performance and to pinpoint the source of the problem. It uses a small reflector on a positioner combined with a stepped frequency gated CW radar at 8-12 GHz to sweep a spot illumination over the aircraft while producing downrange profiles at each spot. The primary advantage of this configuration is that it restricts the RF radiation in all three spatial dimensions, thereby minimizing the scattering from other objects in the crowded environment. A secondary advantage is that the data can be processed to yield resolution of scatterers on the aircraft under test to within two or three feet. Adding an automatic focusing ability to the reflector antenna can improve the resolution to about one foot.
This paper demonstrates the performance of the McDonnell Douglas Technologies Incorporated (MDTI) Compact Range A. This HP8510B network analyzer based system utilizes a R-card treated prime focus main reflector in a tandem with broadband 2-18 GHz feeds. A six foot quiet zone can be maintained over the 2-18 GHz bandwidth with no feed or hardware changes, allowing targets to be measured over the full bandwidth in one continuous sweep. Measured data will be presented demonstrating performance features such as quiet zone quality, dynamic range, sensitivity, and image resolution.
Martin Marietta designed and brought on-line an indoor far-field chamber used for radar cross section (RCS) evaluation. The range has conductive walls on all sides except for the pyramidal absorber covered back wall. The chamber was designed such that wall/floor/ceiling interactions occur with a distance (time) delay allowing for their isolation from the test region. Software gating techniques are used to remove these unwanted signals. This paper presents an analysis of the conductive chamber using Geometrical Optics (GO). The objective was to analyze and evaluate the plane wave quality in the chamber test region. The evaluation of the plane wave was performed using the angle transform technique. The measured results were compared to analytical results and measured antenna patterns.
A novel low-cost automatic system is described to measure both the complex permittivity and permeability of solid materials at 2 to 18 GHz. It is particularly useful for evaluating the frequency dependence of radar absorbing materials (RAM). The RF and the mechanical setups are described, including the computer algorithm and the measurement procedure. The results and the experimental errors of three materials are presented, which agree with results that were obtained by other methods, while the cost of putting up the system is considerably lower than any comparable alternative.
Measuring the radar cross section of low-observable (LO) vehicles require an RCS quality control (QC) program that will last throughout the life cycle of the vehicle, from component production to operational deployment and depot maintenance. Testing must be done at regular intervals to ensure that surface or sub-surface damage has not degraded the RCS characteristics of the vehicle beyond acceptable limits. In the past, these measurements were complicated by the requirement for and expensive, well-prepared RF test environment. The test range—usually a fixed site—is often remotely controlled. System Planning Corporation (SPC) has developed an RCS QC measurement technique that requires little or no facility improvements while offering high sensitivity inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images. The instrumentation radar system can be located at the production, maintenance, or operational site of the vehicle or component. As a result, the QC program is both economical and reliable.
To achieve optimum measurement accuracy and range throughput in antenna and radar cross-section (RCS) measurement applications requires a careful and thorough design of the measurement system. Measurement accuracy requirements, test time objectives, system flexibility, and system costs must all be balanced to achieve an optimum system design. Considering these issues independently will result in unwanted and/or unexpected system performance tradeoffs. This paper examines these issues in some detail and suggests a system design approach which balances microwave performance and measurement speed with system cost.
Lockheed’s Advanced Development Company (LADC), located in Burbank, California, has been evaluating the capability of indoor anechoic chambers to measure VHF/UHF RCS. Two chambers were available for evaluation. A 155 feet long, 50 feet high by 50 feet wide tapered horn chamber and a compact range having dimensions of 97 feet long, 64 feet high by 64 feet wide, featuring a 46 feet wide collimator. For comparison purposes, a common instrumentation radar was used in each chamber. This radar was based on a network analyzer using a Lockheed designed pulse-gate unit to increase transmit/receive isolation. Various antenna feed system were tried in both chambers to ascertain their characteristics. Theoretical and experimental data on system performance will be presented emphasizing practical implementation and inherent limitations.
Compact range, millimeter wave reflector, serrated edges.
The intrinsic electromagnetic properties of bulk materials must be accurately measured to skillfully apply them in new designs. This paper surveys a variety of measurement methods based on RF/microwave network analyzers, and discussed the strengths and limitations of each. This includes recent enhancements to the popular “transmission-line-method”, plus a new open-ended coaxial probe for making permittivity measurements easier and more convenient.
Radar cross section (RCS) measurements were performed in the 0.1-1 GHz band in an anechoic chamber optimized for microwave frequencies. Selection of proper instrumentation, antennas, measurement techniques and processing software are discussed. Experimental results, showing the accuracy and sensibility of the system are presented.
The scanning-probe spherical near-field system at GE Aerospace uses a roll over azimuth positioner with probe horn on a cantilevered arm to scan spherical sector centered over a stationary antenna. The main sources of measurement errors in this system are: 1. Signal drift, 2. Deviations of recorded angles from commanded values, 3. Differences of actual sample positions from ideal ones. Unless corrected, these arrors may alter the transformed field.
This paper analyzes the data rate requirements for RCS imaging systems as a function of measurement parameters and identifies the measurement conditions most likely to tax a system’s capability. Data rate estimates can assist in determining hardware and software design requirements and guide the selection of data storage devices to maintain high throughput rates.
Transient signature representation of scattered fields and their interpretation have become common in downrange and crossrange scattering center identification. A review of the basic concepts for one dimensional transient analysis is presented. The topics included are the frequency-time domain dual representation, general characteristics of transient signatures and temporal mechanism extraction.