  Using aerogel as radiator and multianode PMTs for photon detection, a
proximity focusing Cherenkov ring imaging detector has been constructed and
tested in the KEK $\pi$2 beam. The aim is to experimentally study the basic
parameters such as resolution of the single photon Cherenkov angle and number
of detected photons per ring. The resolution obtained is well approximated by
estimates of contributions from pixel size and emission point uncertainty. The
number of detected photons per Cherenkov ring is in good agreement with
estimates based on aerogel and detector characteristics. The values obtained
turn out to be rather low, mainly due to Rayleigh scattering and to the
relatively large dead space between the photocathodes. A light collection
system or a higher fraction of the photomultiplier active area, together with
better quality aerogels are expected to improve the situation. The reduction of
Cherenkov yield, for charged particle impact in the vicinity of the aerogel
tile side wall, has also been measured.
