Highlights

Research work in the area of phased-array radar has been performed at the research institute FGAN-FFM (now FGAN-FHR) since 1970. The phased-array system ELRA (electronic steerable radar)serves as an experimental basis. The first successful radar operation with the tracking of flying targets dates back to the year 1975. Since then many modifications and further developments corresponding to advances in theoretical knowledge and in technology have been installed in the areas of hardware and software. Most of the new concepts described in this book have already been implemented in the ELRA system or are under preparation for implementation. The main effort has been concentrated in the areas of signal and data processing and system control.

The development of this experimental system has proved to be important for the verification of concepts and theoretical proposals and the recognition of new problems and questions. It was also, last but not least, necessary and useful for the demonstration of the system to interested visitors and personalities who are responsible for the determination of targets for the radar research work in Germany. The demonstrations were especially important for the motivation and encouragement of industrial developments in the field of phased-array radar.

The modular system concept offers the possibility of exchanging and modernising individual parts of hardware and software, which has been done several times since the beginning of the project. Only the two antenna cabins on the roof of the research institute of FGAN (formerly FFM and now FHR), shown in Figure 17.1, are...