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Im curious if there is such study ever conducted or in paper.
The VHF band as we see are all implemented as ground based radar, which obviously limited by ground horizon. Thus low observable target can make use of it and slip through coverage.
However i wonder if there is any study or concept regarding airborne AEW with VHF band. The advantage of VHF from frequency alone is about 7 times in terms of detection range compared to X-band. (other factors may dilute it more but still) Another possible advantage is in terms of LPI as simple RHAWS practically have no coverage on this band and the airborne platform is essentially immune to anti radiation missile, so at least no covert shot from a far, and less affected by weather which somehow may relax power aperture requirement.
The beam however would be broad in elevation as airborne platform may only carry at most 3 coloumns of elements (assume half wavelength spacing) Heightfinding is therefore has to be conducted with multpath heightfinding. There also seems to be lack of data in clutter behavior in VHF frequency. Monopulse angle finding might only be limited in azimuth. However for AEW purpose to direct interceptors, could be adequate.
But yeah im open to any literature or maybe paper. Given the renewed interest to low band radar, im curious if there is any country or organization interested in low band AEW.
cheers.
The VHF band as we see are all implemented as ground based radar, which obviously limited by ground horizon. Thus low observable target can make use of it and slip through coverage.
However i wonder if there is any study or concept regarding airborne AEW with VHF band. The advantage of VHF from frequency alone is about 7 times in terms of detection range compared to X-band. (other factors may dilute it more but still) Another possible advantage is in terms of LPI as simple RHAWS practically have no coverage on this band and the airborne platform is essentially immune to anti radiation missile, so at least no covert shot from a far, and less affected by weather which somehow may relax power aperture requirement.
The beam however would be broad in elevation as airborne platform may only carry at most 3 coloumns of elements (assume half wavelength spacing) Heightfinding is therefore has to be conducted with multpath heightfinding. There also seems to be lack of data in clutter behavior in VHF frequency. Monopulse angle finding might only be limited in azimuth. However for AEW purpose to direct interceptors, could be adequate.
But yeah im open to any literature or maybe paper. Given the renewed interest to low band radar, im curious if there is any country or organization interested in low band AEW.
cheers.