The continuing need for vacuum electronic devices to support electronic warfare

Abstract

Summary form only given. This paper presents a simple analysis that examines a notional anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) threat and the requirements to defeat such a missile. It uses a comparative methodology to arrive at baseline effective radiated power requirements. These requirements are then expressed as relative improvements required for maintaining a jamming capability against future as well as current threats. It includes the implications of varying output powers of amplifiers on array element requirements. It addresses the requirements for operation in the I and J bands as well those needed to defeat threats in the 35 and 94 GHz portions of the spectrum. A relative cost analysis comparing solid state technology and vacuum technology is presented. The analysis shows the need to use vacuum technology in future MMW phase array jammers. Without the availability of high power vacuum amplifiers the system complexity and cost would be prohibitive.