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An original electrically switchable, Ka-band antenna array system has been recently developed, produced, and tested. The system consists of four identical sections, which are connected to radar transmitter/receiver by means of a high-power, multipole P-i-N switch. The introduced P-i-N switch enables for a fast electrical scanning of the antenna beam what essentially extends possible areas of the antenna system application. The antenna system is used in a helicopter collision avoidance, surveillance, and weather radar. This paper describes design features of the antenna system, its main characteristics, results of its testing, and the antenna integration in the radar.

Ka-band antenna; P-i-N switch; collision avoidance radar; waveguide array system