Multifunktionella gruppantenner - Slutrapport

The Multifunction phased array antenna project has studied the area from different aspects and at several system levels. By multifunction the project mainly refers to multiple radar functions, although the concepts we develop are also suitable for EW applications in many cases. During the years of 2012-2014 the project has further developed our knowledge and refined our ability for analysis within the area of multifunctional phased arrays. To a large extent this is done by analysis from an overview perspective, but also by focus on more specific areas. The project has done a survey of the state-of-the-art of multifunctional phased array antenna systems, where a still on-going strong development in the area clearly is identified. Examples of systems found in the survey include the MPAR approach from USA which is a combined aircraft and weather surveillance radar system and the IM400-system from Thales in the Netherlands that includes E/O (Electro Optical) and radar sensors together with communication links. In addition to this, test simulations have been done, which verifies the increased survival degree for a ship, when being attacked by simultaneous anti-ship missiles, with a multifunctional phased array based radar compared with a ship with a conventional rotating 2D-radar. Furthermore, an analysis of cost-effective solutions for multifunctional phased arrays has been done, where we summarize possible solutions, mainly within the areas of signal processing, subarray partitioning, sparse arrays, flexible RF-concepts and simplified architectures. Examples of studies in more focused areas include concepts for 3D-SAR for operation in urban environments, studies of low-loss switch technologies and textile integrated antennas. Furthermore, a survey of the state-of-the-art of GaN-based components has been done and concepts for wideband antenna elements have been studied. Cooperation with EU- and Vinnova projects increased the width and depth of our activities. Projects towards short range applications include the development of a phased array antenna for detection of humans buried in rubble and technologies for see-through clothes. Radar architecture alternatives for optimal performance at a reasonable cost have been studied with long range surveillance applications in mind. To summarize, the project has improved the knowledge in the field of phased array antennas and by this been able to show to the Swedish Armed Forces the strengths and benefits of multifunctional microwave systems, 3D-SAR techniques and related technologies for air, sea and ground target applications including urban environments.