Design of electronic scanning radar systems (ESRS)

A format is presented for the design of Electronic Scanning Radar Systems (ESRS). Theoretical and practical design considerations unique to ESRS are emphasized. An introductory discussion of the role electronic scanning technology plays in fulfilling modern radar requirements is followed by a brief description of the generic types of electronic scan available to the radar designer. The system parameters affecting mission performance are listed. The corresponding radar functions that are particularly affected by the ESR selection are delineated, concluding with a discussion of the merits of the selection. Major decisions are single or multiple simultaneous beams and narrow, intermediate, or wide bandwidth performance capability. Automatic multitarget acquisition logic, computer controlled iterative tracking, equations, interpolative-null tracking, error budgets, and errors unique to ESRS are topics of discussion. The ESRS design procedure is illustrated with practical examples.