A new Compact Antenna Test Range, for EW-antenna system production measurements, is presented. The test object is an active, complex antenna system with several low-gain elements as well as an AESA. The focus in the design of the range was to be able to handle efficient production measurements for this advanced, broadband, test object. To facilitate this, the range is highly automated, which makes it possible to measure several frequency bands, Tx/Rx mode, and test object states in an automated sequence. Test object access and handling was also a key parameter in the range design. Special care was taken to minimize disturbances from the turn tables by recessing the azimuth and slide positioners in a pit in the floor. This is especially important for accurate measurements and interferometry calibration of the low-gain antenna elements.

Angle of arrival (AOA), time of arrival (TOA), and frequency of arrival (FOA) can be measured for a signal from multiple platforms. By combining such measurements it is possible to obtain high-accuracy emitter position estimates. This requires a data link with low latency and sufficient data-rate, and synchronization of the platforms in space, time, and search pattern. Typically several of the platforms will have to make their measurements in the radar sidelobes that require very high receiver sensitivity. This paper focuses on discussing how the sensitivity can be improved using antenna gain or signal processing.