Infrared Imaging of Phased Array Radar Antenna Emissions

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The subject paper discussed the merits of applying infrared imaging technologies, in association with advanced digital processing techniques, as a system health diagnostic tool to (1) enhance readiness and (2) reduce the cost of ownership associated with phased array radar systems that are used throughout the military services. The planned project shall establish a field-level diagnostic tool that can rapidly assess deployed phased array radar antenna performance, using infrared (IR) imaging techniques and that can isolate deficient radio frequency (RF) solid state emission devices (radiator elements). Infrared imaging of RF emissions from an aircraft-installed phased array radar system (APG-63 used in F-15 aircraft) has been conceptually demonstrated; however, full scale-up was never achieved nor other potential technology applications evaluated because of funding constraints. Today, solid state phased array technology is used pervasively in air and in ground/surface-based radar systems. Table 1 identifies representative ground/surface-based radar systems that incorporate phased array antennas in their system architecture. The ability to conduct operational “end-to-end” testing of phased array antennas will enable deployed verification of detected performance degradations, facilitate field-level replacement of faulty RF emission devices, and help reduce the overall logistics burden associated with dismantling and transporting bulky radar systems for return to depot In addition, the proposed capability could be used as a preliminary diagnostic tool, augmenting existing depot capabilities, to help facilitate the accelerated identification/confirmation of required depot-maintenance actions. IR imaging has the potential to catalyze a fundamental shift, comparable to the introduction of automated testing in support of avionics, in the basic approach to phased array antenna maintenance.