Folded Reflectarrays With Shaped Beam Pattern for Foreign Object Debris Detection on Runways

Design of a folded reflectarray antenna (FRA) by phase only control to provide a cosecan squared beam pattern in elevation and a pencil-beam pattern in azimuth to detect objects on the ground, e.g., on runways. A very compact folded reflectarray antenna was fabricated and its radiation pattern over frequency was simulated. During the design process a conical horn was developed, which illuminates the array, with symmetrical radiation pattern for all planes and for a frequency range of 76 to 81 GHz. As the FRA consists of a single layer substrate this kind of antenna could be a candidate for low-cost production in FOD detection on airports in the future.