The hypothesis of a natural sophisticated radar navigation system guiding hornets flight and detecting obstacles and preys is derived from the investigation of the complex spike elements arrays on their cuticle skin shown by electronic microscope pictures. The occurrence of three different lengths and disposition of the spike elements lead from analogy with antenna and radio theory and practice to the hypothesis of transmitting and receiving phased arrays antennas operating at different frequencies in the sub-millimetric wavelength bands. The natural photo- and piezo-electric generation of energy in the hornets found previously explain how the radio frequency (RF) energy required for the operation of the natural radar system can be obtained. Two more sources of radiation and detection by the fed phased arrays spikes are located in the two hornets antennas. The existence of three separated sources of radiation and detection lead to the direction finding (DF) application. The DF concept assist us to explain how hornets can be guided to their nest even for distances up to a few kms. It is possible that the results of the proposed investigations will provide tools to improve real tracking and DF systems performance especially in the submillimeter wavelength ranges
Published in:
Electrical and ELectronic Engineers in Israel, 2000. The 21st IEEE Convention of the
Date of Conference: 2000