Planar phased array fan beam scanning system

Claim 1

In a beam steering computer for connection between an array control computer and a logic manifold in a phased array radar system, the combination comprising: a first function generator connected to the array control computer for generating a first signal indicative of a scanning function for producing a selected shape beam to comprise a term in a phase command; a second function generator controlled by the array control computer for producing a second signal indicataive of .sqroot.k.sup.2 .gamma.''(x.sub.n)+ k sin .phi..sub.o!.sup.2 where .gamma.'' is the derivative of the scanning function, k is 2.pi./.lambda. , .lambda. is the wavelength of the phased array radar system output, x.sub.n is the x plane location of a phased array element, x axis being vertically disposed and .phi..sub.o is a value of aximuth angle; horizontal and vertical sweep command generators constructed and arranged to produce horizontal and vertical sweep phase signals; and signal integration means for combining said first signal with said vertical sweep signal and said second signal with said horizontal sweep signal and for passing said combined signals as a phasing command to said logic manifold whereby a planar, vertically disposed phased array beam is generated and scanned over an azimuth range without distortion of said planar configuration.