Universal Longwire Antenna Module for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Aircraft

A longwire antenna module is proposed, incorporating a length reduction technique that yields 25-75% length reduction with minimal impact on gain. A resonant monopole antenna operating at 535kHz is approximately 440ft long; length reduction techniques will reduce this to between 69ft and 134ft depending upon the desired gain. A shorter/lighter longwire antenna will allow the aircraft to be more maneuverable, improving all aspects of the mission. The module contains three primary components: a longwire element, a longwire spooling mechanism, and an automatic tuning module. The longwire element is deployed/retracted by the spooling mechanism to provide gross tuning of the antenna, while the automatic tuner provides fine tuning and impedance matching. Spooler and tuner are controlled via a servo system and VSWR monitor. The length reduction techniques applied to the longwire antenna also have the added benefit of creating a near-50§Ù antenna, reducing the impedance matching burden of the automatic tuner and its losses.