The gyrocon radio frequency generator for FY-80 and FY-81

Progress on the construction and testing of a 450-MHz prototype gyrocon is discussed. The gyrocon is a high power, high efficiency amplifier which operates by deflection modulation of an electron beam. The spatial bunching can be better than the temporal bunching in a klystron, especially for high output powers and uhf frequencies. Soviet gyrocons have produced over 40 MW of pulsed power at 430 MHz and 250-kW cw at 181 MHz. The maximum pulsed output power achieved in the reporting period is 1 kW.