Abstract: A radar, communication, discovery and networking system is disclosed. The system utilizes a parallel plate waveguide simulator in combination with a circular array of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna elements to support very broad bandwidth operations utilizing a low-profile aperture. It is contemplated that such configurations may be applied to linear arrays (i.e., with no curvature) as well. In addition, the antenna arrays may form multiple rows to resemble a planar antenna. The antenna system in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed on a size-constrained platform and utilized as a common shared asset aperture, providing multifunctional, multi-beam support to facilitate multiband communications.

Abstract: A system and related method is disclosed including a symmetrical array of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements. Within the array a plurality of dual polarization sub-arrays comprised of individual BAVA elements oriented in a first polarization and individual BAVA elements oriented in a second polarization. The plurality of sub-arrays maintains low mutual coupling and cross polarization rejection between sub-arrays within the array and between elements within the sub-array. As a signal is received by each of the individual BAVA elements, signals from each first polarized BAVA element and each second polarized BAVA element of a sub-array are combined to produce a single signal of the first polarization and a single signal of the second polarization per sub-array. A DF processor receives the two signals and determines the angle of arrival of the signal. A communications link within the array sends and receives information and commands for array operation.

Abstract: A multi-functional reconfigurable radar system and a method for configuring such a radar system are disclosed. The multi-functional reconfigurable radar system that is operable as a directional antenna or a DF interferometer. The antenna system in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed on a size-constrained platform such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and utilized as a common shared asset aperture for intelligence-gathering, electronic countermeasure, self-protection, electronic support, electronic attack as well as direction finding and the like.