Active array lens antenna using CTS space feed for reduced antenna depth

A space-fed active array lens antenna system, comprising:

• a wide band feed continuous transverse stub (CTS) feed aperture which produces a plane wave in the near field;
• and
• an active array lens comprising:
• a first array of radiating elements defining a front antenna aperture which transmits and receives RF energy to and from free space,
• a second array of radiating elements defining a rear antenna aperture which transmits and receives RF energy to and from said feed aperture, the second array positioned in the near field of the feed aperture, and
• an array of transmit/receive (T/R) modules coupled between the front aperture and rear aperture, said T/R modules including a phase control circuit and an amplitude control circuit which provide phase and amplitude control for RF signals passing between the front aperture and the rear aperture.