Synchronized Active Antenna Arrays for Studying the Passage of Ultra-Wideband Signals in the Atmosphere and Ionosphere

Abstract

Active synchronized antenna arrays generating ultra-wideband radiation with an electric field strength of about 1 V/m at a distance of several hundred kilometers have been studied. They are designed to study the passage of ultra-wideband signals in the surface layer of the atmosphere and through the ionosphere. Synchronous antenna arrays with four and nine radiating modules have been created. Their radiation has a symmetrical radiation pattern along the x and y axes with a pulse duration at half-height of about 100 ps. They have a pulse energy potential (E × R) of about 60 and 150 kV, with a gross weight of 50 and 100 kg, respectively. Such characteristics allow these arrays to be placed on air carriers. The option of using air balloons under irradiation in the surface layer of the atmosphere and the option of placing meteorological rockets under irradiation from a height of 300 km to the Earth’s surface is considered.