Microwave Hazard Measurements Near Various Aircraft Radars
Richard A. Tell, John C. Nelson · 1974
Measurements near commercial aircraft radars on the ground found that power density exposures of 10 mW/cm² can occur from 8 to 18 feet from the antenna.
Plain English Summary
Researchers from the Electromagnetic Radiation Analysis Branch surveyed four radar units typical of those used by commercial aircraft, two at a radar simulation laboratory and two while installed in aircraft. The study focused on the potential for exposure of individuals in the close vicinity of aircraft radar units, such as when boarding commercial air carriers, while aircraft are on the ground. The radar beams were found to rotate at approximately 15 r/min and to emanate from the aircraft above 6 feet from the ground. Radiation levels inside the cockpits did not exceed 0.2 mW/cm².
Why This Matters
The principal purposes of the study were to determine the types of radars used on board various commercial and private aircraft, to ascertain pertinent radar specifications, and to compare measured radiation levels with accepted guidelines for safe microwave exposure. The airborne radars represented the most powerful equipment found aboard these vehicles and thus presented the greatest potential for harmful exposure to nonaircraft personnel if care was not exercised during operation. At the simulation laboratory, all data were collected with the radar dishes stopped in azimuthal rotation to ensure readings were taken in the main radiation lobe and to obtain true readings of maximum levels. Field measurements were made approaching the radome from a distance of approximately 100 feet, then at successively shorter distances.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Show BibTeX
@article{microwave_hazard_measurements_near_various_aircraft_radars_g5545,
author = {Richard A. Tell and John C. Nelson},
title = {Microwave Hazard Measurements Near Various Aircraft Radars},
year = {1974},
}