Complex energy supply in radar system for space observation

Problem:

The GESTRA (German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar) radar system consists of a transmitter and receiver system comprising 256 individually electronically controlled antennas and receiver units. It was AlpinaTec's task to develop a high-precision three-axis positioning system for both the transmitter and the receiver, with electrically tensioned and clearance-free drives in addition to corresponding cable and supply paths. The small installation space, the complexity and degrees of freedom of the axis arrangement as well as the variety of media and signals to be guided resulted in a great diversity of hoses and cables. Therefore, the compact energy supply system was one of the biggest challenges in this project.

Solution:

Taking into account the limited space available and so as not to collide with the outer shell, the tilting axis "Elevation" was equipped with a compact double chain system on both sides containing two vertical hanging e-chains from the E4.56 series. The whole system is able to cope with changing gravity conditions, which is a decisive factor. For the vertical standing azimuth axis with a horizontal rotation angle of 430°, a complex [Link pagenr="2899" title=""RBR" solution"] including a so-called floating island was developed and realised. The four lateral E4.56 chains installed here have reverse bend radii (RBR) and are equipped with strain reliefs (part no. 3250.ZB).