Abstract: A phased array antenna has a spatially periodic array of tapered pitch helical antenna elements disposed on a first side of a panel, and RF interface circuitry on a second side the panel. For a ‘pseudo’-monopulse tracking mode of operation, single bit, digitally controlled phase shift elements of the RF circuitry impart sequentially different amounts of phase shift to the energy derived from the spatial sections of the antenna elements. This causes a sequential electrical tilting of the beam pattern of the array in a plurality of respectively different directions relative to boresight. For each sequential tilt of the beam pattern, signals representative of the energy received by each of plural quadrants of the array are summed and stored.

Abstract: A broad beam helical antenna contains a monofilar winding of a constant helical diameter and large valued pitch angle. The diameter of the helical antenna is defined such that its circumference is slightly less than one wavelength of the circular polarized radio waves. The pitch angle lies in a relatively high range on the order of 18.degree. to 24.degree.. These parameters provide a generally uniform gain over a relatively wide beam angle on the order of 60.degree. off boresight. Such gain-uniformity facilitates maintaining a link between a satellite and mobile platform-mounted communication equipment.