PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING, INSTALLING AND TESTING MISSILE ANTENNA COUPLERS,

The procedure describes the method of handling, installing, and periodically testing the Antenna Test Couplers required at the test sites and in the assembly areas during test conditions. The use of test couplers precludes radiation interference and induction of unwanted signals into the missile radio frequency circuits. A test coupler will entirely enclose the exposed surface of each antenna with the exception of the Dovap system and, at the same time, accept signals into the test coupler circuit which will be connected by coaxial cable to the appropriate checkout set. This setup simulates an airlink without radiation, and constitutes a closed-loop circuit to be used at all times when air time is not scheduled. Author