Alan Peake (Alan.Peake at dsto.defence.gov.au) wrote:
:: >> Gee, how did they manage to reduce the speed of light so much that an antenna
: >> that would normally occupy a few acres can now fit in a suitcase?
: >>
: >> Alan
: >>
: >>
:: >I wonder: Might it be that the wavelengths are shorter than required for
: >over-the-horizon missile systems?
:: Never heard of an OTH missile system
Tomahawk is one. It simply means that the missile target is beyond the
range of sight of the launching platform radar.
: But an OTH surveillance radar certainly
: uses longer waves than centimetric radar.
Quite right. I worked with ROTHR -- it operates in the 3-30 MHz (give or
take region).
I also worked with PAVE PAWS -- Otis AFB and Beale AFB -- spacetrak
early warning phase array systems. These work in the 900 MHz area of
the spectrum.
: The point I questioned was how
: "nanotech" (or any other "tech") can reduce the size of a phased array
: to give the same performance at the same frequency.
: If it can be done, I'd love to know - it would make my fortune!!
Mine too! (I suspect Slotnick's (sp?) and Eli Brookner's as well)!
(Based on your comment Alan, I suspect you recognize who these guys are.)
I recall one effort to promote a 3-cm phased array system, but it never
got off the ground. (To iffy, among other factors, including size and
weight.)
Harry C.