High performance antenna systems for new VOA stations

Advancements in curtain-type high-frequency (HF) broadcast antennas are reviewed. Novel high-performance antennas for the Voice of America (VOA) are described, including vertical and horizontal beam selections, performance measurements, effects of finite ground and hills, radiation hazard zones, and transmission lines. Specifications for antennas to be installed at four new VOA stations are examined. The designs provide substantial flexibility in radiation-beam characteristics with four vertical beam modes and seven horizontal beam angles. it is believed that the technique of selecting the optimum radiation beam for ionospheric propagation to VOA target areas will provide a substantial improvement in the performance.<
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