Note on a technique for analyzing the system performance of three-dimensional search scanning antennas

This paper shows a method of analyzing system performance with three-dimensional scanning antennas operating in full azimuth and elevation search mode. The fundamental equations for radar range, antenna properties, data rate, and coverage are reduced to compact equations for range and data rate. This form introduces a new parameter E, the scanner characteristic angle. The importance of this term is shown and the properties of an ideal scanner are set down. Existing scanners, both electronic and mechanical are analyzed and equations for their characteristic angle are derived. Each of these scanners can then be rated in terms of the ideal scanner on a given coverage problem. A typical example is shown and the rating of various scanners is given. Finally, a full system problem is worked out. It is hoped that this paper will facilitate direct comparison between various scanning antennas from a system point of view as well as allow comparison with shaped beam search antennas.