Method of scanning a radar antenna to effect improved radar operation

• US 4,129,866 A
• Filed: 03/21/1977
• Issued: 12/12/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Joseph Turco
• Original Assignee: Joseph Turco
• Inventors: Turco, Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilbur, Maynard R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Goodwin, Lawrence
• Application Number:
  US05/779,681
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 343/5 R, 343/100 AD, 343/7 TA, 343/758
• US Class Current: 342/158
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/02 Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems

Abstract

In one implementation of the inventive method an aircraft with an antenna mounted thereon is compelled to follow a sinuous path. The antenna normally provide 120° coverage on either side of the aircraft. Full 360° coverage is provided by the same antenna as the aircraft traverses the predetermined sinuous path.

Claims

1. A method of enhancing the scan capability of a radar afixed to an aircraft comprising:

compelling the aircraft to follow a predetermined sinusoidal path; and

synchronizing the scan angle of the radar to the predetermined path to at least assure that the radar looks in a first direction along the average heading of the aircraft when the aircraft is pointing a predetermined angle to the right of its average heading and to at least assure that the radar looks in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the average heading of the aircraft when the aircraft is pointing a predetermined angle to the left of its average heading.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the predetermined sinusoidal path is described as θ

= A sin m t and the scan angle of the radar is described as δ

= Δ

sin m t where A is the maximum excursion from the average heading of the aircraft, Δ

is the maximum scan angle and m is a predetermined arbitrary constant.