an electronic scan system with excitation arrangement for producing a directive radiation pattern from a circular or cylindrical array at a predetermined pointing angle . the circular or cylindrical array provides random beam pointing . an rf input - output port feeds an equal amplitude distribution network providing as many outputs as there are elements of the array employed at any given time . an equal number of phase shifters is included , and gross beam positioning is effected through selection of the contiguous element group to be excited by means of rf switching . the phase shifters may then be controlled to provide the specific beam pointing or scan desired within the selected sector . the antenna elements of the array are fed through a passive interconnecting matrix responsive thereto , said matrix providing inherent amplitude taper across the effective aperture . the passive interconnecting matrix replaces the more complicated and expensive &# 34 ; ordering &# 34 ; matrix employed in prior art systems of the same general type .