Antenna Array Structures for Composite Airframes

Described herein is a proposal for the design and fabrication of a novel, low-cost, low-profile nanotube antenna that can be conformed to the skin of composite airframe structures and potentially be integrated with nanotube active devices. Carbon nanotubes conformed to composite structures create radiating surfaces that can be configured as antennas and coupling these with nanotube active devices will create the potential for them to operate as reconfigurable antenna arrays with power combining capability. A customized nanostructure material with superior electromagnetic properties will enable high speed switching conditions to support embedded nanotube active devices. Conformal nanotube antennas replacing conventional antenna apertures mounted to the exterior of an aircraft will reduce drag and weight and could be reconfigured dynamically while still in flight to provide frequency coverage for multiple communication systems accessed through a software defined radio(SDR) like JTRS (Joint Tactical Radio System).