Compact UHF/VHF Antenna

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to design, manufacture, and test a compact 1002000 MHz Zonal Imaging Demonstrator Prototype Antenna (ZIDPA) that leverages the dual-polarized 45900 MHz calibration/verification antenna developed for the USAFs National Radar Cross Section Test Facility (NRTF) in early 2017. The ZIDPA antenna will measure 1 deep, 2 wide, and 4 long, and weigh under 140 lbs. The ZIDPA also offers high directivity, a constant phase-center across frequency, low time-domain ringing, smooth main beam patterns, gain that increases monotonically with frequency, low backlobe and sidelobe levels, and a 95% volume reduction over a 1001100 MHz dual-ridged horn. Its compact size and reduced weight make it logistically friendly to transport and image underside aircraft features - including bomb bay door seals. Development of the ZIDPA provides the USAF with a method to reduce Phase II design risk for a compact UHF/VHF antenna that is intended for use by 5-Level maintainers.