Which array parameter describes the ability to steer beams electronically?

• A. Element spacing
• B. Beam steering capability
• C. Side lobes
• D. Mutual coupling

Answer: (B)

Electronic beam steering describes how well an antenna array can direct its main radiation electronically by adjusting the phase and amplitude across its elements. The parameter that captures this ability is beam steering capability. In electronically scanned arrays, phase shifters (and sometimes amplitude tapering) are used to steer the main lobe to different directions without moving the hardware, enabling rapid reorientation—crucial for agile EW operations. Element spacing affects the practical steering range and risks of grating lobes, but it doesn’t measure how effectively you can steer. Side lobes are unwanted energy in other directions, and mutual coupling is the interaction between nearby elements that can distort the pattern and complicate steering.