Low Profile, Very Wide Bandwidth Aircraft Communications Antenna

With rapid advances in JTRS, the demand for broadband conformal antennas has risen dramatically. Traditionally, emphasis has been given to size and shape optimization of antenna geometry and such methodology has limitations to reach the optimum limits. The proposed research stems from Applied EM’s experience in designing spiral antennas with various loading techniques. We propose novel techniques to reach the Chu limits of miniaturization. Furthermore, recent advances in low loss magnetic materials and careful impedance matching can lead to significant frequency reduction of operation. The combination of our ultra wide band design, proper use of materials and their implementation and passive impedance matching techniques will enable us to develop configurations providing better performance than those of existing designs to meet goals of this project.