A fast correlative vector direction finding(CVDF) system using active dipole antenna array for mobile direction finding(DF) applications is presented. To develop the CVDF system, the main elements such as active dipole antenna, multi-channel direction finder, and search receiver are designed and analyzed. The active antenna is designed as composite structure to improve the filed strength sensitivity over the wide frequency range, and the multi-channel direction finder and search receiver are designed using DDS-based PLL with settling time of below 35 us to achieve short signal processing time. This system provides the capabilities of the high DF sensitivity over the wide frequency range and allows for high probability of intercept and accurate angle of arrival(AOA) estimation for agile signals. The design and performance analysis according to the external noise and modulation schemes of the CVDF system with five-element circular array are presented in detail.