Abstract: An HF antenna system is provided. The HF antenna system includes an airborne antenna positioning unit and computes an optimal antenna orientation and length based on relevant wave propagation data to position the antenna for maximal transmission and reception. In one embodiment, the HF antenna system includes an antenna base and control unit (ABCU) and an antenna positioning unit (APU). The ABCU is connected to the APU by an antenna wire. The antenna wire is retractable within the ABCU and is adjustable via positioning of the APU. The APU is an airborne device, such that the APU is tethered to the ABCU but can hoist the terminal end of the antenna wire with complete positional freedom relative to the ABCU.