E.I. Starovoitov1, K.V. Kozlov2, A.B. Golius3, V.I. Russanov4

1–4 JSC «Concern «Vega» (Moscow, Russia)

1 JSC Progress MRI (Moscow, Russia)

1 info@i-progress.tech, 1–4 mail@vega.su

Problem statement. Radar tests with antennas of large electrical dimensions can be performed in the far zone using towers at equipped ranges, but at present, near-field methods or overflight methods using UAVs are becoming more common, where the coordinates of the measuring antenna are determined by the on-board navigation sensors of the UAV. At the same time, the use of a UAV may be limited by the impact of powerful microwave radiation on its equipment, the reflection of electromagnetic waves from the structure and the short duration of the flight.  The possibilities of using a tethered balloon transparent to microwave radiation and resistant to its effects are compared with the flyby method. Rotations of the antenna under study in the required sectors of angles are carried out in the normal mode of operation of the radar located on the test site.

Purpose. Comparison of the capabilities of a tethered balloon and a UAV for performing antenna measurements during radar tests in conditions of unequipped polygons and test sites.

Results. A model is given for determining the position of a tethered balloon with a measuring antenna in a container relative to the radar antenna under study. The characteristics of a spherical balloon for measuring the parameters of the X-band meteorological radar were calculated. The estimation of the permissible error in determining the angles of mutual orientation of the measuring antenna relative to the radar antenna was performed. A system of antenna measurements based on a tethered balloon is considered. A method for optimizing the lifting height of a spherical balloon depending on wind speed based on the Pareto set is presented. A comparison of measurement methods using a tethered balloon, aircraft-type UAVs and multicopters was carried out.

Practical importance. The results obtained can be used when measuring the radiation pattern, adjusting and calibrating the radar using the far-field method using a tethered balloon instead of a stationary tower to place the measuring antenna.

Starovoitov E.I., Kozlov K.V., Golius A.B., Russanov V.I. Comparison of the possibilities of using a tethered balloon and a UAV for antenna measurements during radar's tests. Electromagnetic waves and electronic systems. 2023. V. 28. № 6. P. 48−65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j15604128-202306-06 (in Russian)

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