Dual frequency multi-function radar antenna research

In 1995 the Radar Research Group within Sea Systems Sector at DERA Portsdown West began investigating dual frequency radar concepts under the Corporate Research Programme to overcome the current compromise in operational frequency choice. The work discussed builds upon the considerable expertise that has been gained by the team through the highly successful MESAR MFR programme, which began in 1977. Multi-function radars (MFRs) are currently being proposed for use in naval and land environments because they provide many weapon system performance advantages. An extensive antenna element study conducted early in the research programme concluded that a single element, capable of radiating at both frequencies, would not meet the specified MFR performance characteristics. The study was then expanded to consider different elements to radiate at L- and X-band. After much investigation it was decided to choose a waveguide for the L-band radiating element and a radiating dipole for the X-band radiating element.