Multi-function, Conformal, Textile Antenna for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

ABSTRACT: Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with the Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science Department at the North Carolina State University, proposes to develop a novel wideband UHF communication antenna for aerial vehicles. The antenna is designed to achieve optimal conformal surface utilization, wideband, and good radiation efficiency, while allowing structural reinforcement. The antenna will be made of conformal conductive fabric that can be attached to existing vehicles on tight surface curvatures subjected to high stress and not usually utilized for communications. This conformal antenna technology has the potential to be successfully implemented in a number of challenging small and light curved-surface platforms, such as munitions and small UAVs. BENEFIT: The proposed antenna and the related technologies will have a wide range of applications throughout the military and commercial marketplaces. Communications or wireless electronic industry would benefit from the advancement of this combination of technologies, for its wide bandwidth, smaller footprint, low profile, and multi-function capability.