Antenna Characterization for the JOLT Impulsive Radiator via Low-Voltage Measurements

Abstract

The JOLT system is a highly directive, impulse-like radiator. The antenna for JOLT is a IO-ft-diameter half-impulse radiating antenna (HIRA). JOLT was one of the first impul se radiating systems to employ a half IRA . For that reason , extensive measurements were made with a prototype, scale model HIRA in order to under stand the performance of this class of antenna. In addition, a serie s of low-voltage antenna subsystem tests were performed with the full JOLT antenna before it was couple to the pulsed power and run at high voltage. The low-voltage measurem ent s proved to be quite valuable , as an important manufacturing defect-a failure to mount the dish perpendicular to the ground plane-was identified and mitigated.