Method for controlling a radar antenna
A method is described for detecting an object with target radar. After the first detection of an object, the antenna is tilted. The original direction towards the object is restored by electronically steering the emitted beam. The beamsteering is obtained by changing the frequency of the emitted signal. Thus, the object may be detected several times on different frequencies. The method is particularly applicable in search and track radars.
1. A method in a target tracking radar installation, for detecting projectiles following a trajectory, said projectiles being fired in rounds from a gun, said method comprising:
sending a radio signal at a first frequency in a beam towards a projectile from a multi element antenna,
receiving and registering a signal from the first frequency reflected by said projectile,
mechanically tilting the antenna;
compensating for the mechanical tilt by changing to a second frequency of the radio signal; and
sending, receiving and registering subsequent, reflected radio signals sent back from projectiles following said trajectory in subsequent rounds.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
determining the tilted position of the antenna and
calculating how much the frequency must be changed in order to restore the correct position of the beam.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the radar includes
a navigation system for detecting the current position, speed and acceleration of the antenna and for
calculating a new anticipated position of a projectile and steering the beam towards the new anticipated position.