Abstract: A wideband direction finding (WBDF) aperture employs a limited number of extreme wideband end-fire antenna elements capable of covering a wide frequency bandwidth. Arranging variable sized antenna elements in a specific pattern, the WBDF aperture enables direction finding capability covering an extreme wide frequency band. The pattern arrangement of variable sized elements offers the signal discernment to limit ambiguities in signal angle of arrival. This small form factor design enables the WBDF aperture to be mounted on the surface of a missile, munition, or small UAS wing or fuselage. The WBDF aperture offers a combination of differing sized antenna elements arranged in a specific pattern, combined with direction finding and signal tracking to provide an unambiguous relative azimuth and elevation angle of the target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a UAV comprising a fuselage, a rotor, and a patch antenna element. The patch antenna element, which is provided from a patch antenna stack-up, is conformally disposed on an outer surface of the UAV's fuselage. The patch antenna comprises a first substrate, patch conductor, intermediate substrate, bottom substrate, and ground plane. The patch conductor is disposed on a top surface of the first substrate. A first surface of the intermediate substrate, which is a magneto-dielectric material, is disposed on a bottom surface of the first substrate. A top surface of the bottom substrate is disposed on a second surface of the intermediate substrate. A ground plane conductor is disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a UAV comprising a fuselage, a rotor, and a patch antenna element. The patch antenna element, which is provided from a patch antenna stack-up, is conformally disposed on an outer surface of the UAV's fuselage. The patch antenna comprises a first substrate, patch conductor, intermediate substrate, bottom substrate, and ground plane. The patch conductor is disposed on a top surface of the first substrate. A first surface of the intermediate substrate, which is a magneto-dielectric material, is disposed on a bottom surface of the first substrate. A top surface of the bottom substrate is disposed on a second surface of the intermediate substrate. A ground plane conductor is disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom substrate.

Abstract: An antenna array includes a plurality of ½ flared notch radiators recessed within a missile nose cone and positioned in a circumferential arrangement around and extending radially from the payload's metal skin to contact an annular metal cover that provides a ground plane such that each ½ flared notch radiator is inclined towards the boresight axis. The payload's metal skin provides an image plane for each ½ flared notch radiator to launch RF energy with a radial polarization normal to the image plane forward through the annular RF radome. Each ½ flared notch radiator may be positioned within a 5½ sided waveguide to further improve directionality and isolation.

Abstract: An antenna array includes a plurality of ½ flared notch radiators recessed within a missile nose cone and positioned in a circumferential arrangement around and extending radially from the payload's metal skin to contact an annular metal cover that provides a ground plane such that each ½ flared notch radiator is inclined towards the boresight axis. The payload's metal skin provides an image plane for each ½ flared notch radiator to launch RF energy with a radial polarization normal to the image plane forward through the annular RF radome. Each ½ flared notch radiator may be positioned within a 5½ sided waveguide to further improve directionality and isolation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless signal communication in flight vehicles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a first portion that generates a first wireless zone. A second portion is decoupleable from the first portion and generates a second wireless zone. The first wireless zone and the second wireless zone communicate flight-related information while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and discontinue the communication subsequent to the separation of the first portion from the second structural portion. In another embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wireless zone in a first portion of a flight vehicle, and establishing a second wireless zone in a second decoupleable portion of the flight vehicle. Flight-related information is communicated between the first wireless zone and the second wireless zone while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and communication is discontinued after decoupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless signal communication in flight vehicles are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a first portion that generates a first wireless zone. A second portion is decoupleable from the first portion and generates a second wireless zone. The first wireless zone and the second wireless zone communicate flight-related information while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and discontinue the communication subsequent to the separation of the first portion from the second structural portion. In another embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wireless zone in a first portion of a flight vehicle, and establishing a second wireless zone in a second decoupleable portion of the flight vehicle. Flight-related information is communicated between the first wireless zone and the second wireless zone while the first portion and the second portion are coupled, and communication is discontinued after decoupling.

Abstract: A compact broadband antenna. The antenna includes a first mechanism for receiving input electromagnetic energy. A second mechanism provides radiated electromagnetic energy upon receipt of the input electromagnetic energy. The radiated electromagnetic energy is provided via an antenna element having one or more angled surfaces. A third mechanism directs the radiated electromagnetic energy in a specific direction. In a more specific embodiment, the third mechanism includes a reflective backstop that is selectively positioned behind the second mechanism to reflect back-radiated energy forward of the second mechanism, thereby causing reflected electromagnetic energy to combine in phase with forward-radiated energy from the second mechanism. The third mechanism further includes plural layers of dielectric material.