Wideband Conformal Antenna for CREW Systems

The objective of this SBIR Phase II effort is to design, fabricate, test and deliver environmentally compliant conformal wideband, efficient antenna assemblies with well controlled radiation patterns that can be readily and covertly integrated into vehicle CREW and airborne communication systems. In Phase I Pharad developed and successfully demonstrated improved conformal wideband antenna technology for tactical vehicle systems. Our prototype operates efficiently from VHF to S-band, is less than 3″ in height and can be seamlessly integrated with the host platform with a significant reduction in visual signature. Our high performing conformal antenna technology is equally beneficial to wideband communications links on airborne platforms, reducing the number of apertures and aerodynamic drag. During Phase II we will identify target integration platforms and establish the primary electromagnetic and environmental requirements for the new radiators. We will undertake extensive electromagnetic and mechanical modeling and subsequently develop environmentally compliant prototype antennas that can withstand the environmental operating conditions. These prototypes will undergo rigorous electromagnetic and environmental testing. At the conclusion of this Phase II program, we will deliver two unique antenna assemblies to the Air Force; one for a tactical ground platform CREW system and one for an airborne communications system. BENEFIT: The innovative high performing conformal wideband antenna technology that will be developed as part of this program will find immediate application for mounting on US military tactical vehicles and integration with vehicle CREW systems. Having smaller vehicle antennas with performance similar to larger whip antennas will be of great benefit and the elimination of large vehicle antennas will allow for more covert operation of CREW systems. The new antenna technology will be equally beneficial to wideband communications links, such as conformally mounted JTRS antennas on aircraft and UAVs. In addition to military CREW and communications applications, our new conformal wideband antennas will find application in commercial wireless communication systems. Antenna technology which is wideband and inherently neutral to wireless applications, enables wireless communications service providers to add additional wireless services at a minor cost.