A data-gathering antenna array for transhorizon propagation research

A versatile vertical antenna array and receiving system have been developed for measuring relative phase and amplitude along the wavefront of an -band transhorizon signal. The array, which operates at 3.200 GHz, consists of 12 parabolic antennas 1.22 meters (4 feet) in diameter which are spaced 1.39 meters apart on a tower for a total effective vertical aperture of 15.24 meters ( ). The raw data outputs from the array are amplitude and differential phase successively sampled from the 12 elements. Data can be taken at variable rates of up to 100 passes per second over the 12 elements. The data are processed in a computer to form conventional uniformly illuminated array beams 0.3 degree wide with a grating lobe spacing of 3.9 degrees or to produce many combinations of correlation functions. A reference signal is used to cancel the effects of relative motion of the array support structure from the phase data. The array and receiving system and actual performance characteristics are described.