Multifunctional Design of Load Bearing Antenna Structures for Small UAVs

Aerotonomy, Incorporated and our research institution partner Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) will apply the latest knowledge in conformal load bearing antenna design, structural and electromagnetic modeling, and optimization techniques to develop a unique 2 Stage Multi-Disciplinary Optimization (MDO) system that supports the design of highly integrated miniature broadband antenna structures for small UAVs. In Stage 1, the goal is to optimize the combined aircraft configuration and antenna system architecture to achieve a truly multi-functional system-of-systems design. The Stage 1 MDO system will be developed to aid the design team in performing an automated series of parametric trade studies to optimize airframe geometry that meets flight performance requirements while providing structural and aerodynamic surfaces suitable for use as antenna apertures that meet all the requirements of polarization and radiation pattern control to achieve desired RF performance. The Stage 2 MDO system will support the development of an optimal detailed design of the airframe structure and individual antennas based on the configuration design developed in Stage 1. High fidelity analyses will be performed in Stage 2 using integrated COTS structural and electromagnetics software.