PowerPoint Presentation - Evaluation of the ALMA Prototype Antennas


	ĄWhen the MMA (Millimeter Array), LSA (Large Southern Array), and LMSA (Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array) projects merged into ALMA, there was a lengthy discussion regarding an appropriate and tractable antenna size which could meet the ALMA science requirements.
	ĄDevelopment of antenna systems that could meet ALMA science requirements was recognized early on as a challenge.
	ĄPartners decided to procure prototypes and test them against ALMA performance requirements.
	ĄThe prototype antennas were constructed for testing purposes at the VLA site to take advantage of the VLA infrastructure.
	ĄProject assigned the task of gathering a team of Ňexperienced antenna testersÓ to characterize the performance of the prototypes to Baars and Mangum.
	ĄDue to concerns regarding competition in the production antenna procurement process, all AEG results were kept within the AEG group throughout the evaluation project (NRAO version of ŇSkunk WorksÓ).