Haystack Antenna Reflector Surface Improvement Program

A comprehensive program of study and measurement of the Haystack reflector has been conducted, resulting in a performance improvement of approximately 40 percent. A stochastic approach to data taking and analysis combined with the benefits of an on-site computer provided analytical control of the adjustment operation, and at the same time assured a short reaction time between receipt of the raw data and completion of a detailed analysis of the surface condition. Conventional measurement equipment was used to control the adjustment operation with special attention given to extracting the utmost precision from each device. The rms deviation of the best-fitting paraboloid was reduced from 0.037 to 0.017 inch in the course of the adjustments and corresponding increases in antenna performance have been observed. Accepted for the Air Force Franklin C. Hudson Chief, Lincoln Laboratory Office