Phase front control subsystems projected scatter losses (2 to 6%) are second only to the microwave array losses (19 to 25%) in the microwave power transmission efficiency chain. The uncertainity associated with limiting losses to this value is significant. Phase control, being essential to beam pointing as well as focusing, must be shown to be reliable for power user and safety purposes. Risk rating should then be a strong 4++. Slotted waveguides interface with the RF generators in a high temperature environment. They must distribute the power and emit it uniformly with low losses. They represent a large % of the weight and are conceived to be of .020" wall thickness in aluminum or possibly non-metallic composite layups with metallic coating. The ability to manufacture, fabricate & assemble such waveguides is not certain. To provide proper interfacing with RF generators, to limit distortion so as to operate satisfactorily as a subarray of slotted waveguides, and to do so within estimated cost & schedule constitutes high development risk. Risk rating should therefore be a strong 4+; however, significant materials technology development and selection must precede in depth technology investigations.
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