TEST AND EVALUATION OF ATCRBS ELECTRONIC SCAN ANTENNA (SYSTEM TEST)

The air traffic control radar beacon system (ATCRBS) experimental electronic scan antenna (ESA) consists of 56 array modules placed on a platform (ring) constructed around the top of an airport surveillance radar tower. A shelter beneath the tower provides an enclosure for the control and radiofrequency distribution system of the ESA. This final report covers the system testing to demonstrate the ATCRBS ESA dynamic capabilities in typical terminal environment and to examine beacon monopulse performance. It is concluded that the computer-controlled ATCRBS ESA demonstrated the automated features of the antenna, including agile beam management. In addition, the ATCRBS ESA monopulse target detection system was exercised during the flight test effort. This testing established that the field environment and aircraft maneuvering affected the resulting parameters of system operation (i.e., azimuth accuracy and received signal level). Basic monopulse target detection and processing is feasible for the ATCRBS. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center

  Federal Aviation Administration
  Atlantic City, NJ  United States  08405
• Authors:
  • Bradley, A D
• Publication Date: 1976-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 55 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control radar beacon system; Airport operations; Antennas; Electronic equipment; Phased arrays; Radar; Radar air traffic control; Radar antennas; Radar beacons; Scanners; Tracking systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Airport radar systems; Electronic scan antennas; Monopulse radar; Target detection
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146388
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-76-97 Final Rpt., FAA-NA-75-73
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM