DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF ANTENNA COUPLERS FOR CERTIFICATION OF AIRBORNE INSTRUMENTATION ANTENNAS

Abstract

Instrumentation antennas installed on missiles and airborne targets are required to be tested and certified prior to flight. The antenna coupler is a means of certifying that the antenna is in proper working condition prior to deployment, as damage to the antennas may have occurred during transportation or installation. This coupler also provides a low cost means to evaluate and monitor the antenna throughout the various stages of design and assembly. These antennas can contain arrays for telemetry, beacon tracking, global positioning systems and flight termination. A failure by any one of these arrays could result in the loss of data or improper operation of the flight vehicle. Description of the design and function of antenna couplers will be discussed.