Kenneth Craig Nash

US Patent:

6430805, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Nov 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/187673

Inventors:

Alec Ekmekji - Los Angeles CA
Douglas O. Klebe - Redondo Beach CA
William W. Milroy - Torrance CA
Patrick J. Fitzgerald - Northridge CA
Gerald A. Cox - Playa Del Rey CA
Kenneth Nash - Moorpark CA

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Lexington MA

International Classification:

H01P 1100

US Classification:

29600, 29DIG 47, 343772, 343776, 343853

Abstract:

Methods of fabricating air-filed true-time-delay, continuous transverse stub array antenna. A plurality of extruded sections that are physically independent of one another are fabricated. The plurality of extruded sections are arranged in a predefined pattern defining the structure of the array antenna. Adjacent surfaces of the extruded sections form waveguides of the array antenna. The plurality of extruded sections are joined together at their respective ends to form the array antenna. The plurality of extruded sections may be joined using a plurality of end plates. The plurality of extruded sections and end plates may comprise metal or plastic. If the extruded sections are plastic, they are metallized using a process such as vacuum deposition, electroless plating, or lamination during the extrusion process. The end plates are sealed to the extruded sections to form the array antenna structure.