Abstract: An air interface plane (AIP) of a radio frequency (RF) aperture includes: a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and a matrix of tapered elements arranged on the first side of the circuit board and secured to the circuit board, the matrix of tapered elements cooperating to at least one of receive or transmit an over-the-air RF signal. Suitably, each tapered element of the matrix has: a central hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a hub base which is proximate to the first side of the circuit board to an apex of the tapered element which is distal from the first side of the first circuit board; and a plurality of arms extending from the central hub at the apex of the tapered element, each of the plurality of arms including a first portion that projects the arm radially away from the longitudinal axis and a second portion that projects the arm longitudinally toward the first side of the circuit board.

Abstract: Resistive heating systems are described that have alternating, concentric positive and negative electric leads coated by a thin resistive heating layer. The resistive heating system, especially when the coating is a CNT coating, exhibits excellent transmittance in the L, S, C, X, and/or Ku bands. The resistive heating system is well-suited for a radome, and the invention includes a transmitter system and/or receiver system, especially for radio or infrared transmissions. The invention also provides a polarizable resistive heating system having a comb-like structure of alternated or interdigitated positive and negative leads.

Abstract: An air interface plane (AIP) of a radio frequency (RF) aperture includes: a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and a matrix of tapered elements arranged on the first side of the circuit board and secured to the circuit board, the matrix of tapered elements cooperating to at least one of receive or transmit an over-the-air RF signal. Suitably, each tapered element of the matrix has: a central hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a hub base which is proximate to the first side of the circuit board to an apex of the tapered element which is distal from the first side of the first circuit board; and a plurality of arms extending from the central hub at the apex of the tapered element, each of the plurality of arms including a first portion that projects the arm radially away from the longitudinal axis and a second portion that projects the arm longitudinally toward the first side of the circuit board.

Abstract: A resistive heater system comprising a braided and flattened electrical lead connected to a heating blanket or coating at one end of the lead. The braided and flattened electrical lead comprises a folded-over section that forms an angle in the lead of 70 to 110°. The invention also includes an aircraft comprising the heater system. Nonlimiting examples of aircraft include helicopter, drone, and airplane.

Abstract: An ice protection system and method capable of anti-icing and de-icing aerodynamic structures and surfaces is provided comprising a Resistive Heat Coat (RHC) controller and a heating device. The RHC controller comprises a RHC power circuit topology having a processor and a buck converter. The RHC controller further comprises a RHC control algorithm. The heating device comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements, such as CNT-based resistive heaters. The ice protection systems and methods disclosed can achieve an efficiency of 98% or greater while employing a direct current (DC) power supply and “hard switching” with a switching frequency of at least 500 kHz.

Abstract: An ice protection system and method capable of anti-icing and de-icing aerodynamic structures and surfaces is provided comprising a Resistive Heat Coat (RHC) controller and a heating device. The RHC controller comprises a RHC power circuit topology having a processor and a buck converter. The RHC controller further comprises a RHC control algorithm. The heating device comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements, such as CNT-based resistive heaters. The ice protection systems and methods disclosed can achieve an efficiency of 98% or greater while employing a direct current (DC) power supply and “hard switching” with a switching frequency of at least 500 kHz.