High gain antenna systems for millimeter wave radars with combined electronical and mechanical beam steering

Abstract

Antenna systems for millimeter waves (MMW), considered in this paper, are large plane phased array antennas, installed on two axis angular positioners. This combination provides mechanical scanning in the upper hemisphere along with electronical scanning in a given conical scan sector. The modular (subarray) structure is the basis of designing the arrays described. The array architecture and achievable performances are discussed. Key elements developed for Ka-band arrays are presented.