Optimal number of array faces for active phased array radars

The optimal number of array faces for active phased array radars has been evaluated. For active phased array radar antennas performing the tracking and discrimination functions, the important figure of merit for antenna performance is power-aperture-gain (PAG) product. It was determined that the four-face configuration has a cost advantage for sequential operation and the three-face configuration has a slight cost advantage for simultaneous operation. However, since the cost differential is small for simultaneous operation, these results may vary for a given radar system design depending on the relative cost of the antennas and signal processors.