Distributed elevated radar antenna system
AssigneeInformation System Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsJ. Doss Halsey, James Boschma
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An airborne radar antenna system for detecting a target in a volume includes a tethered aerostat and an antenna that is supported above ground by the aerostat. The aerostat-based antenna is used for transmitting and receiving a radar beam into the volume to detect the target. Additionally, the system includes a ground-based transmitter that generates a beacon signal which monitors the antenna configuration at the aerostat. A computer then evaluates the beacon signal to create an error signal which is used to maintain a predetermined configuration for the antenna. The system also includes mechanisms for orienting the radar beam along preselected beam paths between the antenna and the volume.
Claims20
An airborne radar antenna system for detecting a target in a volume which comprises:
- an aerostat;
- a tether attached to said aerostat for anchoring said aerostat to a point on the ground;
- an antenna for transmitting and receiving a radar beam, said antenna being supported by said aerostat at a location above ground level;
- a means for radiating a beacon signal between said antenna and a ground-based beacon;
- a computer means for evaluating said beacon signal to create an error signal as said beacon signal is received by said antenna;
- and
- electronic means for configuring said antenna in response to said error signal to orient said radar beam along a preselected beam path between said antenna and said volume.
An airborne radar antenna system for detecting a target in a volume which comprises:
- an inflatable buoyancy chamber;
- a support means attached to said buoyancy chamber;
- a flexible printed circuit radar antenna with a power source, mounted on said support means for transmitting and receiving a radar beam;
- a means for selectively positioning said buoyancy chamber at a predetermined location above ground level;
- and
- a means for selectively reconfiguring said radar antenna to direct said radar beam through said volume for detection of said target.
A method for employing an airborne radar antenna system to detect a target in a volume which comprises the steps of:
- inflating an aerostat;
- anchoring said aerostat to a point on the ground;
- supporting an antenna with said aerostat at a location above ground level for transmitting and receiving a radar beam;
- radiating a beacon signal from a ground-based transmitter toward said antenna for receipt by said antenna;
- using a computer to evaluate said beacon signal to create an error signal as said beacon signal is received by said antenna;
- and
- electronically reconfiguring said antenna in response to said error signal to orient said radar beam along a preselected beam path between said antenna and said volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.