DSC has completed the installation of a turnkey RCS measurement system that is used for in-process verification (IPV) and final component validation using standard near field QC techniques in an echoic chamber. The delivered system included a radar, antennas, shroud, ogive pylon, foam column, elevators for each – column and pylon, automated pit covers, test bodies, target transport carts, and calibration targets. The system automatically loads test objects on the correct target support system, requiring no action by the operator to connect a target onto the azimuth over elevation “tophat” positioner – it is all automatic.
The user interface is designed to be operated by production line workers, greatly reducing the need for experienced RCS test engineers. Simple pass/fail indicators are shown to the test technicians, while a full detailed data set is stored for engineering review and analysis. A wall display guides users through a test sequence for target handling and starting the radar. Radar data collection of all azimuth and elevation angles and target motion are initiated from a single button push. This is followed by all data processing necessary to conduct the ATP on the parts providing a pass/fail report on dozens of parameters.
The application of production line quality automation to RCS measurements improves the repeatability of the measurements, greatly reduces both measurement time as well as overhead time, and allows systems operators to become more interchangeable. This highly successful project, which was completed on-time and on-budget, will be discussed. This discussion will include radar performance, antenna and shroud design, target handling, data processing and analysis software, and the control system that automates all the functions that are required for RCS measurements.
RCS Measurements
“No Experience Necessary”
High Reliability
Fast
Why Use In-Process Verification (IPV)?
Delta Sigma Company can do your Chamber Planning, including
Delta Sigma designs and builds Automated RCS Measurement Systems
Production Line Measurements Must Reduce User Skill Requirements
Automatic Target Support Selection
Automatic Target Loading
Automatic Data Collection
Automatic Data Processing/Compare to Standard
Automatic Pass/Fail
Automatic Target Unload
Target is unlocked and disengaged automatically
Assorted Pylons
Rotator | DSC 1 | DSC 2 | DSC 3 | DSC 4 | DSC 5 | DSC 6 | DSC 7 | DSC 8 | DSC 9 |
Capacity (lbs) | 3000 | 4000 | 3000 | 1500 | 500 | 1500 | 750 | 4000 | 4000 |
Diameter (in) | 14 | 26 | 15.25 | 14 | 8.5 | 12.86 | 12.86 | NA | 4 |
Height (in) | 4.5 | 6 | 5.95 | 7.5 | 6.25 | 4.5 | 4.5 | NA | 6 |
Horiz CG Offset (in) | 2 | _ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Vert CG Offset (in) | 18 | _ | 9 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 18 | 12 | 12 |
EL Range (deg) | -5 to 40 | 0 to 25 | -5 to 20 | -5 to 20 | -1 to 45 | -1 to 45 | -1 to 45 | NA | -16 to 16 |
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