Abstract: An active aperture radar antenna includes a plurality of T/R modules and a plurality of radiators, each being supported upon an intermediate support structure disposed therebetween for holding the modules and the radiators at predetermined positions relative to one another. The support structure is a composite structure formed by ribbed support housings and joined by a central plate. The ribs in the support housings defining channels for accommodating coolant tubes and for stiffening the structure. The T/R modules contact the support structure proximate the transmit amplifier chains for enhanced cooling. The radiator array is formed upon a circuit board, is independent of the T/R modules and is disposed upon an opposing surface of the support structure. The T/R modules can be removed and replaced without disturbing any radiators or their relative coplanarity.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite structure for slotted type waveguide antenna, comprising at least one layer of conductive material applied over a mandrel by a known method. Radiating element slots are provided during this process and a laminate of low RF loss material is applied in layers of cloth made from aromatic polyamide fibers having a major fiber direction. A binder material, for example, an epoxy resin is applied and cured thereon as the layers are applied. Alternate cloth layers are applied with the major fiber direction rotated 90.degree.. When the laminate is partially completed, two flanged stiffening ribs are typically placed longitudinally on the top and bottom of the waveguide structure along the surfaces other than that containing the slots. Additional layers of the laminate cover the stiffeners and thereby produce integral mounting structures.