PHASED-ARRAY ANTENNA DEVELOPMENT AT THE APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY

Complex systems under advanced development for military applications increasingly demand phased array antenna technology. The Fleet Systems Department of the Applied Physics Laboratory has had a major role in developing such technology, including the Advanced Multifunction Array Radar, which served as an early prototype for the Aegis system. To meet the needs of the shipboard Cooperative Engagement Capability, the Laboratory was extensively involved in the creation and implementation of a cylindrical phased array antenna. The more rigorous requirements for airborne Cooperative Engagement Capability terminals spurred the development of active-aperture antennas employing transmit/receive modules based on monolithic microwave integrated circuits. Hybrid architectures are being investigated for active-array radar antennas in an ongoing effort to reduce costs as performance is improved.