K.S. Zaytsev1, O.V. Terekhin2, A.A. Vasin3

1–3 Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University) (Moscow, Russia)

1 waz-raketa@yandex.ru

Phased array antennas (PAAs) are widely used due to their capability for rapid electronic beam steering. However, classical planar PAAs are limited by their scan sector, typically not exceeding ±60° from the surface normal, and demonstrate significantly degraded performance at larger beam deflection angles. This drives the search for new approaches to create antennas with ultra-wide-angle scanning capability. From this perspective, the study of conformal (convex) phased array antennas is of particular interest. The aim of this work is to analyze the operational principles of conformal PAAs with wide-angle scanning, investigate various conformal PAA geometries regarding their potential to provide the required radiation characteristics, review approaches to the dynamic formation of the active sector, and analyze different methods for element placement on various conformal surfaces.

Analytical expressions for evaluating the directivity of a conformal PAA, taking into account the radiation pattern of a single element, are presented. A comparison of various conformal PAA types based on the criterion of maximum directivity is performed. The condition for the dynamic formation of the PAA's active sector is formalized. An analysis of element placement techniques is conducted, ranging from arc and ring configurations to geodesic structures and projection-based placement methods. It is shown that arranging PAA elements according to a Fibonacci spiral is one of the most universal approaches for conformal PAAs of arbitrary shape, also enabling the expansion of the operational frequency bandwidth and minimization of the number of PAA elements. The obtained results can be applied in the design of wide-angle PAA and AESA radar systems, satellite terminals, and onboard antenna systems for aircraft and other mobile platforms.

Zaytsev K.S., Terekhin O.V., Vasin A.A. Synthesis of conformal phased array antennas for ultra-wide-angle scanning. Achievements of modern radioelectronics. 2025. V. 79. № 11. P. 81–100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j20700784-202511-09 [in Russian]

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