Dual-Polarization Slotted Waveguide Array Technology for Large Deployable SAR Antennas

For next generation SAR products, Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS) has developed and qualified dual-polarization array antennas, based on slotted waveguides fully realized in aluminum technology. In large deployable active array implementations, the proposed solution offers significant advantages over other existing technologies, in terms of reduced ohmic losses, improved mechanical stiffness, thermal dissipation capabilities, manufacturing and assembly. A qualified dip-brazing technology is employed for manufacturing the slotted waveguide sub-array panels, achieving a compact envelope and reduced overall antenna mass. A radiating panel demonstrator has been manufactured and qualification tested, showing very good performances, in full agreement with design predictions.