Multi-Purpose Antenna

The increasing demand for additional antennas competing for space on already heavily populated military aircraft requires antenna solutions that will accommodate multiple functions through efficient broadband or simultaneous multiband operation. At the same time, the issues of antenna coupling and avoidance of EMI must be addressed. Given the lack of space, the most viable solution is to reduce the number of antennas by increasing their functionality. Increasing functionality, however, requires extending the bandwidth and incorporating complex radiating structures that meet a longer list of requirements. Ideally multi-band operation will be accomplished with a concomitant reduction in size, weight, and profile without sacrificing optimum performance. For this program, the Spectra team will apply new and advanced antenna design technologies toward solving the challenge of designing small, multi-function antennas that reduce the space, weight, and drag, while addressing the issues of intra-antenna interference. The design effort will focus on the patented Fragmented Aperture and Fragmented Volume design methodologies to develop a comprehensive multi-purpose antenna system.