The parabolic dome antenna: A large aperture, 360 degree, rapid scan antenna

In this paper, the authors present the results of an extensive investigation into the design and scale model testing of a dome-like, parabolic torus antenna, capable of providing one or more complete 360 degree rotating pencil beams in azimuth. Also this antenna can be used to provide multiple fixed pencil beams in both azimuth and elevation for instantaneous direction finding system requirements. The 360 degree parabolic torus reflector is formed of a dome shaped wire grid with 45 degree orientation of the grid elements. The use of a 45 degree linearly polarized feed horn enables the grid surface to be first, a reflector to energy transmitted from the feed horn which strikes it, and then, transparent to the energy traveling across the interior of the dome. Since the reflector dome is circular and therefore symmetrical in one plane, the feed and resultant beam may be scanned through 360 degrees continuously.