Wideband Antenna Structure for Airborne Communications Systems

Much effort has been devoted in recent years to develop compact broadband antennas to address antenna congestion on small aerial platforms (including small Unmanned Airborne Vehicles) to address the explosive growth of communication and connectivity needs. Over the past decade, Applied EM has also been involved in the development and commercialization of broadband antenna technology. During our Phase I effort of this project, Applied EM designed a novel low profile antenna based on a volumetric (shape and topology) design that operates over 30-2000MHz. Preliminary simulations and measurements already verified the successful design of this concept. During Phase II, we will finalize the design, build better prototypes, provide validations via measurements, and deliver antenna structures that suitable for commercialization and integration purposes. Various magnetic ground plane improvements (to recover free space gain), matching circuits for low frequencies and dielectric loadings are proposed. In addition, a novel concept will be realized for concurrent vertical polarization monopole-like patterns at low frequencies and circularly polarized patch-like patterns at UHF and above. Platform integration studies will be also carried out for various larger and smaller platforms. BENEFIT: Applied EM will capitalize on the military demand for JTRS antennas for various platforms. Small low profile broadband antennas would be of immense potential use for integrating into multi functional wireless systems, hand-held devices, etc.