TWT life cycle cost reduction program

The life cycle cost of microwave tubes is a major component of the total operational cost for large radar systems. Since system requirements are almost impossible to change, cost can really only be reduced by engineering improvements to high-value components (such as microwave tubes) which result in improved life expectancy. This paper presents one such example in which modern design and analysis methods were applied to an existing TWT design. The approach was to increase the effective area of the cathode, thereby decreasing the cathode loading and extending life. Modeling and simulation codes were used throughout the process to ensure that performance would not be compromised.