Multiple polarization antenna element

Claim 1

An array antenna comprising: a plurality of waveguide radiators each having an aperture and first and second E-plane walls, said radiators being arranged in a predetermined pattern to radiate supplied wave energy signals with a first selected polarization; a plurality of dipole radiators, each comprising first and second self-supporting conductive dipole members, each of said dipole members including an exposed transverse conductive support member connected to the center of one of said E-plane walls and extending across one of said waveguide apertures perpendicular to said selected polarization, a conductive longitudinal support member projecting outwardly from said aperture, and a transverse conductive dipole arm, supported by said support members, arranged parallel to said transverse support member and spaced a selected distance from said aperture, said dipole members being spaced apart and electrically insulated from each other at the center of each aperture, each of said dipole radiators having a coaxial transmission line for supplying wave energy signals, said transmission line extending through said transverse support of said first dipole member and having an outer conductor coupled to said transverse support member of said first dipole member and an inner conductor coupled to said transverse support member of said second dipole member; and means for supplying wave energy signals to each of said waveguide and dipole rediators at selected amplitude and phase, the wave energy signals supplied to each of said dipole elements having a selected amplitude and phase with respect to the wave energy signals supplied to each of said waveguide elments, said selected amplitude and phase being the same for all elements;