Influence of a Radome on Antenna Performance

The German Meteorological Service [Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)] operates the German weather radar network and is currently replacing all radar systems with new dual-polarization radars. One of the key components of a radar system is its antenna. The quality of the dual-polarized (dual-pol) moments is dependent on the quality of the antenna and its proper characterization. Dedicated on-site antenna pattern measurements with and without radome are performed in order to verify the antenna and radome specification of the new Hohenpeissenberg radar. Those on-site measurements are carried out from three different source sites in the far field of the antenna. The pattern measurements show that the main antenna specifications, such as the 3-dB beamwidth, beam squint, and sidelobe levels, are met. This is also true if a radome is in place. However, the data suggest that the manufacturer’s specifications are not fulfilled completely. This study finds a substantial increase of the copolar power level off th...