Pneu-Scan - A novel, lightweight two-axis telemetry tracking system

The development of Pneu-Scan, a conically scanning tracking antenna feed for telemetry applications, is described. Pneu-Scan has the advantage of being pneumatically driven, thereby eliminating the need for a heavy electric drive motor. Air from the dehydrator/pressurizer system is used to drive the Pneu-Scan pedestal at a scan speed which is proportional to the continuously varying pressure. The S-band tracking feed of the Pneu-Scan is less than five inches in diameter and is considerably lighter than single-channel monopulse (SCM) feeds. Aperture blocking of Pneu-Scan is more than two times smaller than conventional SCM designs. The antenna reflector of the Pneu-Scan system is a lightweight 5-foot graphite-epoxy parabolical reflector positioned by an elevator-over-azimuth pedestal. The elevation assembly is surrounded by an inflatable rotodome which rotates with azimuth. The rotating sphere was designed to have a minimum wind-induced torque, thereby minimizing the required drive power. The weight of the entire system is less than 135 pounds. The principle characteristics of the Pneu-Scan system are summarized in a table.