Radome Boresight Error Test Systems
(RBETS) allow manual and computer automated testing of radome “electro-magnetic”
characteristics and antenna patterns over a frequency range applicable to a specific
radome design and application. Although a standard RBETS system may be supplied
by Ideal Aerosmith, our engineers typically work with our customer engineers during
the “pre-contract” project phase to ensure that Ideal Aerosmith’s solution meets
or exceeds specific customer requirements.
The radome and antenna positioning systems are multi-axis systems controlled by
the field-proven Ideal Aerosmith AERO 4000™ motion controller. Our
AERO 4000™ Controller is built upon commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)
hardware and software platforms to minimize cost and delivery schedules, as well
as to provide Ideal’s customers with a product that does not lock them into proprietary
technology and single-source part vendors.
The primary role of a radome is to protect a radar antenna from a hazardous operating
environment. However, the radome itself may contribute detrimental secondary effects
to boresight error, boresight error slopes, antenna pattern distortion, and reduction
of transmission efficiency, all of which compromise system performance. Therefore,
an easy, convenient, and expeditious means to test and evaluate each radome proves
to be highly beneficial.
The design of Ideal’s present line of antenna-radome boresight and collimation equipment
is adaptable to virtually all existing antenna systems, including aircraft, precision
strike, search, tracking (conical scan, sequential-lobing, monopulse, interferometer,
etc.) doppler, terrain avoidance, navigational, rendezvous, and various special
types, including combinations of the above. To meet the demands of these antennas
and their radomes, Ideal developed a variety of antenna-radome motion servo positioners,
consisting of two axes and if required, up to six variable axes of motion. This
line of positioners can accommodate radomes ranging in size from a few inches in
diameter, for evaluating small radomes, up to the 16-foot diameter for testing large
aircraft radomes.
A wide variety of RF instrumentation is also available, ranging from C band to Ka
band, all with remote control capabilities, to meet varying system requirements.
Contact us to obtain additional performance
specifications for the RBETS or to learn more about our capabilities and resources
to help you meet your program cost and schedule requirements