Abstract: Disclosed is a guided mannequin aerial unit. The mannequin includes a control unit having a central processing unit (CPU), memory for storing a computer software instruction set for execution by the CPU, a high-resolution camera for taking and providing to the CPU real time images of the drop area and a second memory unit for pre-storing images of the mannequin drop area and the drop target. Under the control of the software instruction set, the CPU compares the real time images to the pre-stored images to guide the mannequin to the drop target.

Abstract: A hood is provided for verifying the performance of the missile. The hood includes one or more sense antennas having the same polarization as the antennas within the missile to be tested. The hood further includes one or more elliptic-to-circular polarization converters designed to reduce the axial ratio of the signal received from the missile. The elliptic-to-circular polarization converters convert the signal from the missile to a substantially pure circular polarized signal which is then sensed by the sense antennas.

Abstract: A hood is provided for verifying the performance of the missile. The hood includes one or more sense antennas having the same polarization as the antennas within the missile to be tested. The hood further includes one or more elliptic-to-circular polarization converters designed to reduce the axial ratio of the signal received from the missile. The elliptic-to-circular polarization converters convert the signal from the missile to a substantially pure circular polarized signal which is then sensed by the sense antennas.

Abstract: A super thin, cavity free spiral antenna includes a radiating element having a first spiral arm and a second spiral arm formed on a front surface of a first dielectric substrate. In addition, the antenna includes a resonant ground plane formed on a back surface of the first dielectric substrate. From the perspective of the radiating element, the resonant ground plane appears as a back ground plane which is further away from the radiating element than in actuality. As a result, operation in the microstrip mode is provided even without a cavity.

Abstract: An antenna is described which includes a plurality of antennas stacked on top of each other in a compact cavity. Input match and radiation gain can be enhanced by the application of a capacitor and inductor in the feed of the spiral lowest in the cavity. The antenna can fit into a very compact space while providing circular polarization over the desired bands of the antennas that are isolated.