Importance

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Abstract

A planar array of linearly polarized antenna elements, each element tilted so that its polarization orientation is disposed at an angle with respect to the array vertical axis so that array polarization loss is minimized as a function of roll about an array normal. Half of the elements are tilted uniformly at a positive angle with respect to the array vertical axis and the remaining elements are tilted at a negative angle with respect to the array vertical axis. The invention substantially reduces the unwanted variation in received RF energy magnitude as a function of array roll angle caused by polarization loss, for both vertical and horizontal components. The vertically polarized signal component magnitude remains nearly constant with respect to array roll angle values of 50.degree.-60.degree. and more. If the element tilt angle magnitude is between 0.degree.-45.degree., the vertically polarized components from the two element groups are additive whereas the horizontally polarized components from the two groups are subtractive. Monopulse sum and difference outputs isolate the vertical and horizontal energy components. Broadside beam scanning without losing this roll compensation is possible if the two element groups are segregated into horizontal rows spanning the planar array.

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First Claim