The Outdoor ranges are equipped with heavy equipment to suit your every need.  ARA/Seavey has forklifts, crane services and man lifts at its disposal to suit your antenna requirements.

Contact: John Fliegel
               Test Department Manager
               ARA/Seavey Engineering
               781-829-4740 Ext. 335

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TEST RANGES
ARA / Seavey uses several range systems, including, but not limited to: the 8757B, the 8510C vector network analyzer (with swept frequency patterns [digital – over 40GHz capable]), and an analog single frequency system along with Agilent Synthesized Sweepers.

RADIATION PATTERNS

• Rectangular Scale recorder output
• 1 milliradian accuracy
• 60dB Dynamic Range in most frequency bands; up to 90dB in selected bands
• ± 0.5dB linearity to – 30dB
• Measure beamwidths, sidelobe levels, co-polarization and cross-polarization response, boresight shift, axial ratio of circular polarization

PHASE PATTERNS

• Phase Patterns and phase center of feedhorns and complete antennas can be made in the anechoic chambers and on the 850ft test range to an accuracy of ± 5°.

ANTENNA GAIN

• Substitution Method. Gain standards are available from 100MHz to 40GHz. Precision attenuators for calibration are maintained with overall accuracy of ± 0.5dB.

RETURN LOSS

• Swept method using HP Scalar Network Analyzers using programmable sweep generators.

INSERTION LOSS

• 10MHz to 50GHz. Sensors and reflectometers with up to 50dB directivity.

IMPEDANCE

• Vector Network Analyzer characterization of microwave components to 40GHz.

For all anechoic and outdoor test ranges, complete antenna measurement instrumentation is available for conducting all standard tests. Rotating linear source antennas for swept axial ratio testing are available for all test ranges. In general, all antenna testing is conducted in accordance with ANSI / IEEE Std. 149-1979 “Standard Test Procedures for Antennas.”

RADOME AND DIELECTRIC MATERIALS TESTING
Radomes and radome materials (half-wave, thin, A- and C- sandwich and other wall designs) have been tested using the equipment and facilities listed on the previous page. Ground radomes up to 12-feet in diameter and ogive-shaped airborne radomes of 30 inch base diameter and 6-foot length have been tested. Special test fixtures are fabricated as necessary. In general, radome tests are conducted in accordance with Aerospace Industries Association Document ARTC-4 “Electrical Test Procedures for Radomes and Radome Materials,” or equivalent.

The following specific parameters may be measured at all incidence angles of interest:

• Dielectric Constant (wall sample)
• Loss Tangent (wall sample)
• Transmission Coefficient
• Insertion Phase Delay (IPD)
• Reflection
• Pattern Degradation (Sidelobes, Gain, Cross-Polarization)
• Boresight Error and Error Rate; Principal and Cross-Axis

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Fig 1-6: Assembly and Testing of 4.5m Antenna

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 5 Testing of 9.1m Antenna

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Fig 6-7: Testing of 9.4m Antenna

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