Telescoping radar array
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsMark R. Alberding, Tushar K. Shah, John F. Strempel, Edward P. Olszewski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mobile, telescoping radar array is disclosed. In some embodiments, the radar array has a plurality of support stages that fully nest when stowed and assume a telescoped form when deployed. A plurality of radiating elements depend from each stage. The support stages, as deployed, have a geometry that supports 360 degrees of radar coverage without rotating or otherwise repositioning the radar array.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising a telescoping radar array, wherein the telescoping radar array comprises:
- a plurality of coaxial, axially-deployable, radially-spaced apart, ring-shaped support stages, wherein the support stages comprise a non-conductive composite material;
- a plurality of mechanical coupling elements, wherein the coupling elements depend from the support stages, and wherein the coupling elements that depend from radially-adjacent support stages are dimensioned and arranged with respect to one another to cause the radially-adjacent support stages to mechanically couple to one another during deployment;
- an actuator for deploying the support stages;
- a plurality of radiating elements, wherein multiple radiating elements of the plurality thereof depend from each support stage, and wherein the multiple radiating elements on each support stage are arranged to provide radar coverage over 360 degrees of azimuth;
- and
- radar processing electronics for data acquisition and processing, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are electrically connected to the radar processing electronics.
An apparatus comprising a non-rotating, telescoping radar array, wherein the telescoping radar array comprises:
- a plurality of coaxial, axially-deployable, radially-spaced apart, annular-shaped support stages;
- at least one coupling element for coupling the support stages to one another;
- an actuator for deploying the support stages in conjunction with the at least one coupling element;
- a plurality of radiating elements, wherein multiple radiating elements of the plurality thereof depend from each support stage, and wherein the multiple radiating elements on each support stage are arranged to provide radar coverage over 360 degrees of azimuth without re-positioning the support stages;
- and
- radar processing electronics for data acquisition and processing, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are electrically connected to the radar processing electronics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.