Abstract: A dual polarised omnidirectional antenna apparatus (20) capable of operating in transmit and receive, comprising at least two dual polarised directional antennas (21) configured to be mountable in a substantially equi-spaced distributed array around and pointing away from a platform, wherein the antenna apparatus (20) is configured such that, when operated in transmit, the dual polarised directional antennas operate in phase with each other to deliver a combined omnidirectional, dual polarised, performance. This increases operational bandwidth and mitigates interference effects in communications applications.

Abstract: A body-wearable antenna system is described that comprises at least two antenna elements (2, 4) arranged to be mountable in a substantially equi-spaced distributed array around a user's body. Each antenna element is a directional type antenna and the antenna system is configurable such that when worn the antenna elements operate in phase to deliver a combined, higher gain, omnidirectional performance radiating away from the user's body, compared to one or more conventional body-worn omnidirectional antennas. The antenna system can operate in transmit and receive. Each antenna element may be a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) housed in a protective radome (3, 5). Each PIFA may feature at least one slot cut into the radiating top plate or at least one parasitic radiator, or a combination of both, to allow operation within distinct frequency bands and with predetermined impedance bandwidth.