INCREASED ANTENNA BANDWIDTH AT HIGH FREQUENCIES WITH FREQUENCY UHF APPLICATIONS

RM Associates (RMA) proposes to develop a novel approach to designing broadband antennas covering the frequency range of 15:1, or even greater, without sacrificing the gain and efficiency of the presently available designs which exhibit a narrower bandwidth. The design methodology will be based upon the newly developed genetic algorithm for solving stochastic optimization problems and is expected to yield greatly superior results than can be achieved by using conventional techniques. We anticipate that the resultant designs would be useful for high speed, spread spectrum and frequency hopping communication systems because they would be able to meet the requirements that they be low profile, efficient, and offer simultaneous operation over a broad band of frequencies. Phase I of the effort would involve the development of the genetic algorithm for broadband antenna design; demonstration of the application of the algorithm to a representative antenna of interest to the Navy; assessment of the feasibility of fabrication of the designed antenna; preliminary assessment of the suitability of the design antenna for shipboard environment. RMA will be assisted in this effort by Parisi Antenna Systems who will consult with RMA and evaluate the feasibility of manufacturing the design antennas. RMA will also consult with Booz-Allen & Hamilton who are experts in the field of shipboard communication systems. Completion of the Phase I effort will allow for the development, in Phase II, of a full-scale and fully functional broadband antenna that can be installed and tested within the shipboard environment.