Multifunctional Design of Structurally Integrated Antennas for SUAV's

The proposed work will develop and validate a design methodology for integrating antenna systems into the skin of aircraft. Applications to small, unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) are particularly emphasized. These systems will provide broadband and multifunctional antenna capabilities. They will consist of printed circuits PC that are conformal to the aerodynamic surface shape and bonded to the inside and outside surfaces of dielectric skin material. The methodology will determine optimal PC layouts for a particular skin shape and a set of requirements. It will also determine the placement of feed points and location for the placement of electronic control devices that will enable the aperture to reconfigure in an adaptive manner. The work will combine the expertise of two teams - one an RF team experienced in the development of advanced antenna concepts and the other an aerospace engineering team experienced in the development of advanced UAV concepts.