Fanned Beam vs. Sector Beam vs. Cosecant Square Beam in Radar

This page compares fanned beam, sector beam, and cosecant square beam antennas used in radar systems. Antennas that produce specific beam shapes are called “shaped beam antennas.”

The common beam shapes include:

• Fanned Beams
• Sector Beams
• Cosecant Square Beams

Fanned Beam

A fanned beam is characterized by a broad beam in one of its principal planes. Ship antennas commonly use this type of beam. They are useful for compensating for the roll and pitch of ships.

Applications:

• Surface search in airborne radars
• Air search in ground-based radars

Sector Beam

A sector beam is usually flat over a desired angular region. This type of beam provides more constant illumination of a target object within that region.

Applications:

• Surface search from ships
• Air search from ground-based radar systems

Cosecant Square Beam

A cosecant square beam is precisely generated using phased array antennas with specific amplitude and phase requirements.

Applications:

• Ground mapping
• Airport surveillance