Wideband Conformal Antenna for CREW Systems

In this Phase I project, Pharad proposes to develop and demonstrate a novel wideband, flat panel antenna capable of improving vehicle based CREW systems; allowing flat panel antennas to be mounted on various surfaces of the vehicle. This will allow CREW systems to operate more covertly, eliminating the visual signatures of existing larger antennas. The Phase I activities will include a comprehensive electromagnetic design and the mechanical design and fabrication of a prototype antenna assembly. The radiating element of this vehicle CREW antenna assembly will be based on our proven CREW antenna assembly for dismounted applications. This new vehicle antenna assembly will be designed to operate from 200 – 6000 MHz, handle RF powers greater than 200 Watts and direct electromagnetic (EM) radiation away from the vehicle surface. During Phase I we will complete the antenna design, fabricate a proof of concept antenna prototype assembly, carry out laboratory testing of its electromagnetic performance, and commence preliminary integration testing with CREW electronics. BENEFIT: The innovative conformal CREW antenna technology that will be developed as part of this program will find immediate application for mounting on US military tactical vehicles such as the HMMWV, MRAP, and the Stryker vehicle. The new antenna design will also be of benefit to other military land based vehicles as well as aircraft. In addition to the DoD, we believe that our novel antenna technology will find use in the Homeland Security applications that require conformal antennas for vehicles. 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.