MOVING DIPOLE RECEIVES TEST SIGNAL IN RADIATION PATTERN DETERMINATION SYSTEM

摘要

This invention relates to a system and method for determining the radiation pattern of an antenna through the use of a RELEDOP (Receiving ELEmentary Dipole with Optional Polarity). The advantage of this invention is that it is suitable for measuring the patterns of most antennae, including large aperture antennae requiring measurements to be made at distances of 30 to 60 miles. The method involves transmitting a signal of either horizontal or vertical polarization from the antenna being measured to a receiving dipole coupled to a receiver. The dipole and receiver are towed behind an airborne vehicle in a substantially circular pattern over the antenna. The received signal is telemetered over a VHF link to a receiver and recording device, and the pattern of the antenna is then derived directly from the recording device. By this invention, enough power is transmitted from the antenna to enable a more thorough measurement of the pattern of the antenna then had previously been possible with methods which transmitted from the towed dipole to the antenna.