Improved UHF Antenna

"MRC had developed conformal UHF Communications (voice, satellite data) and other CNI antennas, and is aware of many issues involved. These include antenna design, LO treatment, and aperture/aperture/airframe interactions. The installation method calledout in the topic description (through the wing) is somewhat unique and opens design options and avenues (as well as potential pitfalls) not possible in single sided installations.In this proposal, we present an approach and techniques for achieving the UHF communications range (horizon gain better than -2 dBil), coverage, and instantaneous bandwidth desired. This is in addition to achieving a certain level of low reflectivitycapability. The approaches addressed include conformal directional apertures to minimize interference, highly efficient apertures, a number of matching techniques, and new LO treatment implementations. The conformal aspects of this effort will reduce dragand hide external evidence of an onboard UHF communications system, and be more aesthetically pleasing than a whip or a blade. The LO aspects would be for military or other Government applications."