Radar antenna and method of fabricating same

Claim 3

The method for fabricating a radar antenna according to claim 1 wherein the forming of an inwardly contoured edge on each of the ribs of the rigid lattice network comprises: a. positioning each rib in a punch press having a circular punch; b. incrementing each rib to a plurality of predetermined positions relative to said circular punch, and c. punching the edge of each rib with said circular punch at each of said predetermined positions to thereby form a plurality of adjoining cutout arcs defining the prescribed inwardly contoured edge.

Claim 4

The method of claim 2 and further comprising: smoothing said cutout arcs to form a smooth inwardly contoured edge.

Claim 5

The method of fabricating a radar antenna according to claim 2 further comprising: a. forming in each rib a plurality of slots which extend inwardly from an edge thereof, and b. forming the rigid lattice network by interlocking the slots of a plurality of horizontally disposed ribs with the slots of a plurality of vertically disposed ribs to form the rigid lattice network.

Claim 6

The method of claim 4 and further comprising: welding the interlocking ribs together.

Claim 7

The method of claim 4 and further comprising: fitting tabs extending from the ends of said vertical ribs into slots formed in retaining members.

Claim 8

A radar antenna constructed in accordance with the method of claim 1 comprising: a. a base means including a plurality of upwardly angling struts and a rigid lattice support member; b. a back support means, said back support means including a frame having an upper and lower member connected in a spaced relationship one to another, a brace connected to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom, a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending braces having ends connected to the frame and ends connected to an overhanging member, the overhanging member supported in a horizontal position by the plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending braces; c. a rigid lattice network including a plurality of spaced slotted vertical ribs and slotted horizontal ribs having inwardly contoured surfaces, said slots interlocking the vertical and horizontal ribs into a plurality of interconnecting compartments, said compartments having surfaces coacting to define an inwardly contoured support for a reflecting surface of the radar, an upper vertical rib retaining member, and a lower vertical rib retaining member attached to the vertical ribs, said rigid lattice network having its upper vertical rib retaining member attached to the overhanging member of the back support means, its lower vertical rib retaining member attached to the rigid lattice network support member of the base means and backs of the horizontal, and vertical ribs attached to the back support frame; and d. a radio frequency energy reflector screen attached to the inwardly contoured support of the rigid lattice network to maintain the contoured reflecting surface of the radar antenna.