Reflector shaping for VTS radar antennas

The author considers the requirements and methodology for optimum reflector shaping in land based radar antennas for vessel traffic systems and similar applications. Vessel traffic systems are normally used in ports, rivers and certain coastal situations to provide information on ship movements. Modern reflector technology has only recently been applied to these applications, with the advent of new manufacturing techniques yielding highly cost effective structures with single point feeds. The author illustrates the benefits of using modern synthesis and analysis techniques with the effect of major improvements in the overall antenna, and hence system, performance. He concludes that the use of these techniques allows good resolution between targets at both the horizon and very short distances