Narrow Band High Power Antennas for Airborne Platforms

A novel antenna and beamforming approach is proposed that satisfies all critical system requirements. The design is based on modification of a waveguide radiating element using high dielectric strength materials. The radiating element design is compatible with a range of high dielectric strength materials. The element exhibits very high overall aperture efficiency (in excess of 98%) with minimal dissipative losses on the order of .1 dB. During Phase I, FIRST RF demonstrated that the design is compatible with transmitter interfaces and host vehicle installation. Measured data demonstrated the required pattern and gain performance. Based on the Phase I results we believe the overall approach is sound and the risk is reasonable for execution of the Phase II program. During this program a full scale model will be built for both pattern and power handling tests. These results will show a technology ready for implementation in a production program.