|
 |
L‘Garde Programs - Deployable Waveguide
Deployable Waveguide
The same structural support technology used on the Synthetic Aperture Radar is applicable to a different antenna approach for the same
purpose – a slotted waveguide using membranes. Initial system studies show that the weight of these systems is similar, with the distributed SAR
weighing about 1.2 kg/m2, and the slotted wave guide weighing about 1.6 kg/m. However, we anticipate that the slotted waveguide will package in a smaller
volume, have a greater sensitivity, and for radars, allow higher power.
 |
| A CAD rendering of the waveguide. |
 |
| The wave guide showing three support tubes. These tubes are aluminum and can be folded along with the waveguide.
The whole assembly can then be deployed and rigidified by inflating the tubes. |
 |
| A view of the business end of the waveguide. The actual waveguides are the four larger openings. |
 |
| The Deployable Waveguide undergoes RF testing in an anechoic chamber. |
|
|
