Low sidelobe S-band line source array

This report deals with the study and fabrication of a low sidelobe, S-band linear dipole array. The specific design of this line source makes it directly applicable to a full size planar array for use in a high power, high efficiency, low sidelobe, tactical radar. Electrical and mechanical design details are discussed, including development of wideband, high isolation couplers, development of a crossed dipole radiator, the use of air dielectric stripline as a transmission medium, considerations regarding the corporate fed power divider, grating lobe considerations, size and weight budgets, and tactical constraints. Sources of both correlated and uncorrelated errors have been identified. A computer program is discussed which uses this error information to calculate statistically the azimuth patterns for the line source and for an array of N line sources. An error and tolerance budget has been determined that assures the array sidelobes to be below the -35, -38, -41, and -50dB level (first, second, third, and wide angle lobes, respectively.