Managing dimensional error in a direction finding antenna array

A method for managing a position error of a plurality of antenna elements within an antenna assembly, comprising:

• using a computer or processor to perform the steps of
• determining a correction factor for an antenna array;
• receiving at least one signal from a signal source utilizing a first antenna element of the antenna array;
• receiving the at least one signal from the signal source utilizing a second antenna element of the antenna array, where the second antenna element is spaced a distance apart from the first antenna element;
• determining the distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element utilizing the correction factor;
• and
• analyzing the at least one signal received by the first antenna element and the second antenna element utilizing the determined distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element to determine at least one of a direction or a location of the signal source.

A linear interferometer direction finding antenna assembly, comprising:

• an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements generally arranged along an axis, the antenna array including:
• a first antenna element for receiving at least one signal from a signal source,
• a second antenna element spaced a distance apart from the first antenna element for receiving the at least one signal from the signal source, and
• a third antenna element interposed between the first antenna element and the second antenna element generally along the axis of the antenna array for receiving the at least one signal from the signal source;
• a processor coupled with the antenna array for analyzing the at least one signal received by the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element utilizing the distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element to determine at least one of a direction or a location of the signal source;
• and
• a memory coupled with the processor for storing a correction factor, where the processor is configured to utilize the correction factor to determine the distance between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.