Tethered Drone RF Optimized Nodal Element (T-DRONE)

Naval communication systems need to adapt to emerging threats and environments, particularly in the lower frequency bands. Current systems that require many large antenna structures and protrusions that increase the radar cross section of vessels and utilizes the limited topside space. Furthermore, installing new antenna systems can be time consuming and costly while placing constraints on other valuable systems. In addition, advances in software defined radio technology are enabling multiple channel voice and data networking, but still utilize large and static antenna infrastructure. Due to the long wavelengths in the High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, the antenna infrastructure is particularly difficult to deal with. While advances are being made in antenna miniaturization and conformal application, there is still a need to provide large bandwidth and tuning capabilities to meet the communication demands. In response to this need, EngeniusMicro proposes a rapidly deployed dynamic tunable antenna system built upon a tethered UAS platform. The proposed approach utilizes advanced tether power transmission and communication techniques to minimize tether size so as to optimize UAS payload capability enabling high power antenna installation and operation. The phase I effort will determine the feasibility of the proposed antenna system design. The Phase II effort will prototype the system and test in an operational environment.