Compact Test Range (CTR)

The Compact Test Range (CTR) is operated by the Microwaves and Radar Institute at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen. The CTR is an indoor test range for highly accurate characterization of antennas over a frequency range of 0.2–100 GHz. A large test zone with a diameter of 3.4 meters (typ.) is available for measuring antennas on their support structures and aerodynamic moldings. These can be mounted on a six-axis positioner with a load capacity of 270 kilograms. Consequently, the electromagnetic impact of the structure on the antenna characteristics can be measured instantly in real time.

A specific test chamber for antenna measurements

DLR's CTR consists of an electromagnetically shielded test chamber lined with microwave absorbers. Inside, the alignment and curvature of a dual reflector system ensures that the field in the test zone is comprised of plane waves that enable far-field measurements over short distances (Compact Antenna Test Range). The installed air conditioning system ensures measurements under stable environmental parameters. The facility provides excellent amplitude-, phase- and angular accuracy. It is primarily used for the design verification of new antennas and structures by measurement of the electromagnetic characteristics. Radar cross-section (RCS) analysis of active and passive radar calibration targets are complementing the CTR application fields.