HHArch24 Handheld Reflectometer: Portable Gaussian Beam NDT

The MWI HHArch24 is a portable, Handheld Gaussian Beam Mini-Reflection Loss Arch designed for non-destructive testing in the field. Measuring just 6” x 6”, this compact device brings laboratory-grade reflectivity analysis to depot-level inspections and post-repair verifications. By utilizing MWI’s proprietary PRA Polyrod Antennas, the HHArch24 produces a highly directional, collimated beam (2.5 inches) that allows technicians to precisely characterize localized areas on large composite structures without the need for material samples or specialized test chambers.

Laboratory Precision in a Handheld Form

The HHArch24 bridges the gap between the R&D lab and the maintenance hangar:

  • Broadband Performance: Standard ranges of 7–18 GHz or 10–20 GHz, with high-frequency capabilities extending up to 50 GHz.
  • Adjustable Geometry: Features fixed reflection angles from +10° to +60°, allowing for targeted analysis of surface impedance and absorption.
  • Dual-Polarity Ready: Now available in a dual-polarity configuration, enabling the simultaneous alignment and measurement of TE and TM polarities for a complete material profile in a single pass.

 

Seamless VNA Integration

The HHArch24 is instrument-agnostic and designed to interface directly with modern portable Vector Network Analyzers, such as the Keysight FieldFox or legacy laboratory units like the HP 8720ES and PNA series. When connected, it transforms a standard VNA into a specialized composite diagnostic tool.

 

From Depot to Production Line

While the handheld version is the ideal solution for “on-wing” inspections and repair validation, the architecture is fully scalable:

  • Handheld: Optimized for depot inspections and rapid “spot checks.”
  • XYZ-Scanner/Online: Integrated versions allow for continuous reflection plane monitoring as materials pass through a production line or are mapped by a robotic gantry.

 

Primary Utility

Essential for aerospace technicians, MRO facilities, and QA teams who need to verify the electromagnetic integrity of composite repairs, stealth coatings, and radome uniformity in real-world environments.