An improvement of the wide-angular scan-loss compensation (SLC) and sidelobe level (SLL) in a small linear array with 23 elements is discussed. The array integrates small subarrays with an optimized pattern for SLC, while the SLL suppression is obtained by using a combination of elements with phase steering only and elements with amplitude/phase control in the center. This combination leads to a less number of T/R module. When the antenna is scanned to ±60°, a maximum first and peak SLL (FSLL and PSLL) of -15.1 dB are obtained. In addition, a -4.6 scan-loss is obtained, it means that the SLC is 2.4 dB with a Cavity-backed U-slotted Patch (CUP) antenna. These performance results are very attractive in particular for a small linear array with wide angular scanning capability.

An advanced design, adding a significant first sidelobes level (FSLL) improvement to a previously introduced wide-angular-scanning, linear array prototype with demonstrated scan-loss compensation (SLC) and sidelobes suppression features is discussed. The linear array makes use of in-line subarrays for SLC and an additional amplitude taper in its central, uniform region for lowering the FSLL with as much as 4\mathrm{d}\mathrm{B} at \pm 60 {\mathrm{o}} scanning (13\mathrm{d}\mathrm{B} at \pm 20 {\mathrm{o}} scanning). Several Taylor-type amplitudes tapers are compared, the best overall performance improvement being observed for a -18dB prototype taper. The advocated solution is highly suitable to high-sensitivity radars requiring a fast-scanning, fan-beam.