Near-Field Antenna Measurements facility

Sierra Vista, Arizona (AZ), US

Although the compact range operates in a relatively small space — most are indoors — it can measure the radiation patterns of antennas as they would occur over long distances. Advantages of indoor compact ranges are security and the ability to operate regardless of weather conditions.

Near-Field Antenna Measurements facility

Sierra Vista, Arizona (AZ), US

At Fort Huachuca, Ariz., the U.S. Army constructed a compact radar range thought to be the world's largest.

To determine the best antenna location for a particular situation, Dr. R.C. Johnson of the Engineering Experiment Stations (now Georgia Tech Research Institute, GTRI) invented the compact radar range in the late 1960s. The technique simulates a plane wave over the entire antenna under testing and involves two main elements: a parabolic reflector and a mechanical device that lifts and rotates the target antenna.

Although the compact range operates in a relatively small space — most are indoors — it can measure the radiation patterns of antennas as they would occur over long distances. Advantages of indoor compact ranges are security and the ability to operate regardless of weather conditions.

Military - R&D
Links: gtresearchnews.gatech.edu
By: kjfitz