Wideband, Dual-Polarized, High-Frequency (HF) Element

Antenna performance (gain) is proportional to antenna size. Q-Track proposes a combined vertical polarization (V-pol) and horizontal polarization (H-pol) ultrawideband (UWB) antenna element with bandwidth capable of covering the entire 6-28MHz bandwidth. This element will have a height of approximately 20m (60ft) to achieve a lower frequency of 6MHz. Q-Track further proposes to establish a scale-bandwidth relationship for this element to demonstrate how more compact tuned versions of the element could be used at the cost of a more restricted simultaneous bandwidth. Alternatively, the bandwidth of a 6-28MHz element can be extended down to 3MHz or even lower using such tuning. Q-Track will validate theoretical predictions by measurements on scale models of the elements. Q-Track’s approach will conclusively demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and allow the Air Force to make an informed decision on an appropriate size element to achieve desired performance.