Conformal Omni-Directional Antenna Design for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

FIRST RF proposes a novel antenna demonstrated during Phase I for installation aboard the Shadow 200 UAV. This antenna is installed in the rear stabilator section of the aircraft, is completely conformal to the OML, produces vertically polarized omni-directional radiation patterns at SINCGARS (30 – 88 MHz) and UHF-LOS (225 – 512 MHz). The antenna is fundamentally different from traditional airborne antenna approaches which are typically blade monopoles. Whereas the traditional antenna relies on the airframe as a ground plane which leads to inefficient performance for small UAVs, the proposed approach does not depend on the airframe as a ground plane whatsoever. The result is a robust antenna with stable installed performance across the band. In addition to the rear mounted antenna, FIRST RF’s proposal includes an alternative antenna concept for risk mitigation if system requirements change during the course of Phase II. This approach also does not depend on the airframe as a ground plane. The Phase II program includes modeling using full 3D models of Shadow, prototyping and testing at FIRST RF facilities, and installed testing aboard a full size model of the Shadow airframe. FIRST RF will use company assets for outdoor installed testing, as well as CERDEC assets.