Selection of Optimum Antennas for Tracking Telemetry Instrumented Airborne Vehicles

Abstract

A simplified method of developing the link budget to determine the required antenna gain is presented. A heuristic analysis is presented to determine whether a low cost fixed antenna can be used or if a tracking system is required. If a tracking system is required, an analysis is presented to determine whether a single axis tracking system will suffice or a two axis tracking system is required. The pros and cons of single channel monopulse versus conical scan are also presented. Additionally, tracking system acquisition aid techniques are discussed.