Laser tracker metrology for UAV-based antenna measurements

Exact position data of measured electromagnetic field components is one of the key requirements to obtainhigh-quality antenna radiation pattern. Due to the nature of flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones this data needs to be measured in a quasi-contactless way over comparable large distances. In this paper the performances and properties of state-of-the-art laser tracker systems are described with regard to UAV-based antenna measurements. The paper concludes with a comparison between laser tracker systems and popular Global Navigation Satellite Systems based on Real Time Kinematic metrology.