I/J band low cost crossed-field amplifier

This program is directed toward development of an I/J band, linear format, injected-beam crossed-field amplifier (IBCFA) for electronic warfare. The IBCFA should be capable of power output of 1000 W peak, 200 W average, between 8.5 and 17 GHz with 20 dB gain. A laser-cut shaped-substrate meander line is used. The performance objectives for E/F band CFA's include 3 kW peak pulse power output and 1 kW average power output, 20 dB gain, 2-4 GHz, for electronic warfare; and 2 kW peak pulse power output at 10-15% duty, 25 dB gain, 3.0 to 3.6 GHz, for phased-array radar. One E/F band tube has been built. Preliminary tests at 10% duty directed toward electronic warfare applications showed 3 kW peak power at midband, 1,5 kW at 2 GHz, and 2.4 kW at 4 GHz. Increased drive power leads to greater power output at the low end of the band, indicating the need for greater circuit length. This tube will be tested further for its characteristics in the phased array mode and for full rated duty in the electronic warfare mode. Another E/F band tube is under construction, this one with increased circuit length.