Agile radiating matrix antenna system for radar applications

This paper presents an agile radiating matrix antenna which is formed by an association of several and identical special radiating elements called `pixels'. Those pixels have special properties concerning its radiating apertures. The matrix antenna working principle is based on the equivalent radiating surface approach and not on the classical array approach. The aim of this paper is to show the matrix antenna performances concerning its ability to achieve a great beam steering for high scanning angles which is used for target following and military bases monitoring in radar applications. The principle of this antenna constitutes the subject of an accepted CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) patent.