Multifunction Phased Array Radar Advanced Technology Demonstrator (MPAR ATD) Nearfield Testing and Fielding

MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL) has been working in support of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) program to develop low-cost phased array radar. MIT LL along with MACOM has developed an S-band 64-element dual-polarization phased array panel with 6 W radiated power per element per polarization. The third generation of this panel was used to build a 76-panel fully polarimetric AESA radar, the MPAR Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD). Recently characterized at MIT LL's RF Test Facility, the ATD has EIRP of 85 dBW, 40 dB boresite directivity, and less than 0.04° beam steering error. The ATD was installed at the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in 2018. This paper summarizes nearfield chamber test results, installation, and calibration of the 76-panel MPAR ATD.