Abstract: A method for reducing interference in a mobile network is provided. The method includes determining locations of a plurality of nodes in the mobile network; steering at least one antenna at a node in the plurality of nodes in the mobile network; estimating intensity of signals from the at least one antenna at each of the plurality of nodes; determining optimal direction to steer the at least one antenna to reduce interference; and steering the at least one antenna in the optimal direction.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation to a mobile platform includes a base portion and an antenna module capable of being removably coupled to the base portion. The base portion includes a longitudinal axis and defines a channel extending along at least part of the longitudinal axis. The antenna module includes a mount and an antenna element coupled to the mount. The mount and antenna element can be received into the channel of the base portion, in electrical contact with the base portion, and then subsequently removed from the channel of the base portion as desired. Further, the base portion of the antenna assembly is configured to accommodate multiple different antenna modules as desired.

Abstract: An aircraft antenna, an antenna system, and a method of providing an antenna are disclosed. A conductive plate is configured to conform to an area on an outer surface of a fuselage of an aircraft. The conductive plate is configured to be positioned in direct and intimate contact with a conductive portion of the fuselage. A conductive rib is configured to be electrically coupled to the conductive plate and to extend toward a first point adjacent an inner surface of a structure of the aircraft that extends from the fuselage. A conductive spine configured to extend along the inner surface of the structure between the first point and a second point. The conductive spine is electrically coupled to the conductive rib at the first point and is configured to receive a conductive feed line at the second point. An antenna coupler mount is configured to receive an antenna coupler. The antenna coupler mount is physically coupled to a surface of the conductive plate and is electrically coupled to the conductive plate.

Abstract: An antenna array for use in an aviation application setting comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering. A deposit of phosphor material is also disposed beneath this covering. This external covering is at least partially permeable to radio frequency signals and will provide at least a substantial barrier against external moisture and objects that might otherwise harm the antennas. This external covering can be fixed to an exterior surface of an aircraft. The four radio frequency antennas are electrically discrete from one another though also being configured as an integral mechanical structure. The phosphor material, in turn, can serve to facilitate detection of a parameter of interest, such as temperature or airspeed.

Abstract: A technique employing one or more conformal, spiral antenna for use in a vehicle such as a missile. The technique includes both an apparatus and a method. The apparatus includes a radome or missile body and a conformal, spiral antenna mounted in the radome or missile body. The method is one for use in operating a missile, comprising transmitting and receiving signals through a plurality of conformal, spiral antennae mounted in a radome or missile body. This may include in some variants transmitting and receiving signals through a plurality of conformal, spiral antennae mounted in a radome or missile body; and guiding the missile from information obtained from signals receive through the antennae.

Abstract: Antenna system embodiments are illustrated that include a planar, top-loaded dipole antenna and a planar elliptical dipole antenna arranged substantially coplanar and within the top-loaded dipole antenna. These antenna structures facilitate their combination with tuning coil chains, baluns and impedance matching circuits to operate over multiple frequency bands. System embodiments exhibit high gain and selectivity and may be digitally tuned over wide frequency bands (e.g., 30-600 MHz). The embodiments may be digitally tuned to support operational modes such as frequency hopping to thereby realize a secure communication system. Because these embodiments are configured to operate in the absence of a ground plane, they are especially suited for mounting on various portions of an aircraft's structure. For example, they may be configured as winglets and situated far out on wingtips to thus free the remainder of an aircraft's structure for other operational systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-element anti-jamming (A/J) antenna array. The antenna array includes a first antenna assembly configured for being fuse-mounted a first distance from an aft end of at least one of an artillery shell and a munition. The antenna array further includes a second antenna assembly configured for being fuse-mounted a second distance from an aft end of at least one of the artillery shell and the munition, the second distance being lesser than the first distance. Further, the antenna array includes multi-band functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a planar member and a number of support members. The planar member may be configured to be attached to an airframe of an aircraft. The number of support members may be configured to connect the number of antennas to the planar member.

Abstract: A slotted waveguide antenna stiffened structure for an aircraft having an aircraft skin. The slotted waveguide antenna stiffening structure including a structural stiffening element reinforcing the aircraft skin; the structural element connected to a radio frequency feed source, the source providing energy with electromagnetic bandwidth to a slotted waveguide antenna having a plurality of slots. The antenna conformal to the aircraft skin and the structural stiffening element, the structural stiffening elements functioning as waveguides for the electromagnetic bandwidth. The slots may include a slot sealant enclosing the plurality of slots.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-element anti-jamming (A/J) antenna array. The antenna array includes a first multi-band GPS edge-slot antenna and a second multi-band GPS edge-slot antenna. The first edge-slot antenna and the second edge-slot antenna are configured for implementation within at least one of an artillery shell and a munition. The first edge-slot antenna and the second edge-slot antenna are each further configured for supporting L-band frequencies.

Abstract: Radomes include an outer wall having a first average thickness and an inner wall having a second average thickness that is different from the first average thickness. At least a major portion of the inner wall is separated from at least a major portion of the outer wall by a space therebetween. The outer wall may comprise a layer of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material. Aircraft and spacecraft include such radomes. Methods of forming radomes include forming an outer wall having a first average thickness, forming an inner wall having a different second average thickness, and coupling together the inner wall and the outer wall in such a manner as to provide a space between at least a major portion of the outer wall and at least a major portion of the inner wall.

Abstract: A multi-element anti-jamming (A/J) antenna array is disclosed. The multi-element anti-jamming (A/J) array may include a circularly-polarized edge slot antenna and a dielectric resonator antenna. The circularly-polarized edge slot antenna and the dielectric resonator antenna are configured for implementation within an artillery shell, munition, or the like. The circularly-polarized edge slot antenna may be a gun-hard, embedded GPS antenna having an on-axis phase center. Further, the circularly-polarized edge slot antenna may have a forward-looking radiation pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a multilayer millimeter-wave window according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a multilayer window that is substantially transparent to a passing millimeter-wave. The window may include multiple perforations in a thermally conductive element to be disposed in the path of the passing wave. A dielectric is positioned between each thermally conductive element and acts as a seal between wave source and an ambient environment. The window may also be configured to conform to a contoured surface or structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flush-mounted aircraft, UAV or missile antenna system, which is an integral part of the fuselage (3) of an aircraft, UAV or missile. The antenna system comprises a surface (3) made of a conductive material and a resonant recess (4) formed in said conducting surface, wherein said recess is conformed to provide a resonant behaviour in a selected operating frequency, the antenna system further comprising a radiating element (2) located within said recess and a feeding element (5) within said recess coupled to said radiating element.

Abstract: An aircraft turret and fairing assembly for facilitating transmission of a directed energy beam from a directed energy device includes a turret section for directing an energy beam. The assembly also includes a fairing section aft of and adjacent to the turret section. Each of the turret section and the aft fairing section are coupled to an aircraft. The assembly also includes at least one sensor for detecting air speed of the aircraft and air pressure. The turret section and the aft fairing section are configured and positioned relative to one another to direct airflow for generating an aeroacoustic resonance within a desired frequency range in an area aft of the turret section.

Abstract: An antenna system for an airborne radar system with a dorsal unit having two opposing long sides extending in a height direction (Z) and a longitudinal direction (X), and two opposing short sides extending in a lateral direction (Y) and the height direction (Z), and an upper side opposing a bottom side each extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and the lateral direction (Y). The antenna system comprises antenna devices being interspaced and mounted in connection to one of the short sides or both the short sides and extending in the height direction (Z). Each of the antenna devices comprises a waveguide board.

Abstract: The present invention is a folded monopole antenna assembly. The folded monopole antenna assembly includes a dielectric substrate, the dielectric substrate being configured for receiving at least one input. The folded monopole antenna assembly further includes a folded monopole antenna. The folded monopole antenna is configured for being connected with the dielectric substrate. Further, the folded monopole antenna includes at least one reactive circuit. The folded monopole antenna is further configured for receiving a signal via a received input included in the at least one received input. The antenna assembly is configured for implementation within an artillery shell and/or a munition.

Abstract: When an excitation signal is generated from an exciter due to an activation signal generated from a radar control device and is distributed to supply to each antenna sub-module, a combination reception signal is transmitted to a receiver from each antenna sub-module. The receiver takes in the combination reception signal obtained by each sub-module in response to an instruction from the radar control device, a frequency converter converts the combination reception signal into a prescribed frequency band, and a distributed aperture combination circuit performs a beam combination in accordance with a distributed aperture combination algorithm. In this way, a radar apparatus, which is equivalent to an active phased array radar of a large aperture and with high performance, is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is a system which includes an interposer. The interposer may include a mounting plate for mounting the interposer to a fuselage of an aircraft. The interposer may interface with the fuselage to form a seal for maintaining pressure within the aircraft. The system may further include an antenna module. The antenna module may include a ground plane, an aircraft antenna, and a radome. The ground plane may be connected to the aircraft antenna and may be configured for allowing the antenna module to be mounted to the interposer. The radome may be connected to the ground plane to form an enclosure for housing the antenna. The antenna module may be removably connected to the interposer. The system may further include an interconnect for electrically connecting the antenna module to electronics located within the aircraft. The antenna module may be disconnected from the interposer without breaking the seal formed between the interposer and the fuselage.

Abstract: An antenna array for use in an aviation application setting comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering. A deposit of phosphor material is also disposed beneath this covering. This external covering is at least partially permeable to radio frequency signals and will provide at least a substantial barrier against external moisture and objects that might otherwise harm the antennas. This external covering can be fixed to an exterior surface of an aircraft. The four radio frequency antennas are electrically discrete from one another though also being configured as an integral mechanical structure. The phosphor material, in turn, can serve to facilitate detection of a parameter of interest, such as temperature or airspeed.

Abstract: Transparent, flat antenna (A) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, comprising at least one transparent, electrically insulating substrate (1) that has in its surface (1.1) an electrically insulating, circumferential edge region (1.1a), a transparent, electrically conductive coating (2) that covers large areas of the surface (1.1) of the substrate (1) up to the edge region (1.1a) and is formed by at least two flat segments (2.1n), where n=1 or a whole number n>1, that contain or are made of at least one electrically conductive material (2.2) and are insulated from each other by at least one linear, electrically insulating region (2.3), and at least one connection (3) for galvanic, capacitive, or inductive decoupling of the antenna signal from at least one flat segment (2.1n); Method for its manufacture and its use as a transparent built-in part.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.

Abstract: A multi-feed horn includes a first feed horn, a second feed horn and a third feed horn which are connected to a first waveguide, a second waveguide and a third waveguide, respectively. The first feed horn is provided with a first proximal end opening and a first tip opening which are rectangular in shape, the second feed horn is provided with a second proximal end opening and a second tip opening which are rectangular in shape, and the third feed horn is provided with a third proximal end opening and a third tip opening which are rectangular in shape. Consequently, a multi-feed horn, a low noise block downconverter and an antenna apparatus which allow a further improvement in the reception characteristic and in the manufacturing accuracy can be provided.

Abstract: Optically reconfigurable radio frequency antennas for use in aircraft systems and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna includes a surface-conformal reflector that includes optically addressable carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes can be combined with light-sensitive materials so that exposure to light of the correct wavelength will switch the nanotubes back and forth between a metallic and non-metallic state. The antenna has a transmitter that radiates a radio frequency signal in the direction of the surface illuminator and an addressable optical conductor to illuminate the nanotubes with one or more optical signals. When the domains are illuminated they switch portions of the carbon nanotubes between its non-metallic states and metallic states to reflect the radiated radio frequency signal.

Abstract: An electrically small antenna (ESA) for resolution of subwavelength features is disclosed. The ESA is on the order of meters and has an efficient transmit/receive capability. The ESA is 1/10 of the length of the equivalent dipole length, and may be scaled down to 1/10,000. The ESA includes a metamaterial shell. Such an antenna may include phase sensitive current injection in the metamaterial resonant structures for loss-compensation.

Abstract: An aircraft structure having properties of an electromagnetic cavity is used to enhance wireless transmission for at least one of wireless data communication and wireless power transmission.

Abstract: An example satellite assembly includes a cover and an antenna attached to the cover. The satellite assembly further includes a base and a satellite module attached to the base such that the antenna is connected to the satellite module when the cover is secured to the base to form a sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A communication system including an antenna array with feed network coupled to communication electronics. In one example, a communication subsystem comprises a plurality of antennas each adapted to receive an information signal and a plurality of orthomode transducers coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of antennas, each OMT is adapted to provide at a first component signal having a first polarization and a second component signal having a second polarization. The communication subsystem also comprises a feed network that receives the first component signal and the second component signal from each orthomode transducer and provides a first summed component signal at a first feed port and a second summed component signal at a second feed port, and a phase correction device coupled to the first and second feed ports and adapted to phase match the first summed component signal with the second summed component signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an airborne radar notably for a drone. In at least one embodiment, the airborne radar has a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is mechanically attached to an aircraft carrying the radar. The first structure has a degree of rotational freedom relative to the aircraft on a first axis. The second structure is attached to the first structure. The second structure has a degree of rotational freedom relative to the first structure on a second axis converging with the first axis. An antenna is attached to the second structure and configured to receive and send electromagnetic waves. An electronic module configured to process the electromagnetic waves sent or received by the antenna is attached to the second structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to panel array antennas, and more particularly to a cooling system for an antenna such as a jet stream conformal panel array antenna. In one embodiment, a panel array antenna for an aircraft includes a closed-loop fluid flow path that passes through the panel array assembly and dissipates heat to the jet stream outside the aircraft. A fluid such as pressurized air passes through this closed-loop path, flowing through strategically-placed openings in the layers of the panel array assembly and flowing over and around the hot electrical components in the panel assembly. The air is heated by these electrical components, and the heated air then flows through the flow path under the top sheet, dissipating the heat to the jet stream outside. In one embodiment, a panel array antenna includes a panel assembly having a top layer through which the antenna radiates or receives a signal, and a fluid flow path through the panel assembly.

Abstract: Antennas, integrated driveshaft covers, and methods are disclosed. A particular antenna includes a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface. A conductive body has a curved outer surface, where the first curved surface of the dielectric layer is positioned against the curved outer surface. A high frequency (HF) antenna layer is positioned over positioned over the second curved surface of the dielectric layer, where the HF antenna layer is curved to conform to the second curved surface of the dielectric layer. A pair of contacts may be configured to receive an electrical connection for the HF antenna layer. When an HF signal is applied to the pair of contacts, the conductive body interacts with the HF antenna layer to radiate energy.

Abstract: An antenna may include an enclosure formed by a front wall and a back wall opposite to the front wall, and a front face and a back face opposite to the front face. Both the front face and the back face extend between the front wall and the back wall to form a cavity within the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a slot formed in the front face to form a cavity backed slot. A radio frequency (RF) connector is mounted in the front wall. A shaped feed line is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the RF connector to transmit and receive RF energy. The shaped feed line extends across the slot to couple the RF energy between the slot and the shaped feed line. The shaped feed line has a predetermined structure to substantially reduce an electric field strength to improve power handing of the antenna.

Abstract: Antenna apparatus and methods of using the same that employ a broadband, planar, single feed ultra high frequency satellite communication (UHF SATCOM) antenna device which may be mounted on composite or other non-metallic and non-electrically conductive surfaces. The antenna apparatus may be implemented using a single antenna feed and impedance matching network with a low profile antenna shape that optimizes over-the-horizon gain, with no requirement for a ground plane. The antenna apparatus may also be implemented to cover the entire UHF SATCOM frequency band using a single antenna feed.

Abstract: Radomes include an outer wall having a first average thickness and an inner wall having a second average thickness that is different from the first average thickness. At least a major portion of the inner wall is separated from at least a major portion of the outer wall by a space therebetween. The outer wall may comprise a layer of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material. Aircraft and spacecraft include such radomes. Methods of forming radomes include forming an outer wall having a first average thickness, forming an inner wall having a different second average thickness, and coupling together the inner wall and the outer wall in such a manner as to provide a space between at least a major portion of the outer wall and at least a major portion of the inner wall.

Abstract: A system (10) for providing connectivity to a mobile phone network having a plurality of towers providing wireless access to the network, includes a base (16) having one or more control motors (20, 22) connected to the base to rotate the base and one or more directional antennas (14) mounted on the base. A means is provided to determine the current location and orientation of the antennas (14) and a central control unit is provided in communication with each control motor (20, 22) and the means. A database accessible by the central control unit contains information relating to the location of each of the towers and the central control unit determines the most suitable tower for connection to the system (10). The control motor rotates the base (16) such that the directional antenna (14) is pointing in the direction of said tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft undercarriage including at least one axle having at least one wheel mounted to rotate thereon, the undercarriage including a communication device for connecting a sensor mounted on a rim of the wheel to stationary processor means mounted on the aircraft. According to the invention, the communication device comprises firstly an antenna secured to the sensor and thus rotating together with the wheel, and secondly a stationary antenna extending at the end of the axle and connected to the processor means, the two antennas being in radio communication through a cover of non-conductive material secured to the wheel and covering the end of the axle.

Abstract: A radar system comprises a plurality of antenna sub-systems, each operable to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals in a corresponding sector, wherein the plurality of antenna sub-systems are positioned such that the corresponding sectors cover a total range of about 180 degrees to about 360 degrees without rotation of the radar system. The radar system also comprises shared backend circuitry coupled to each of the plurality of antenna sub-systems and operable to process signals from each of the plurality of antenna sub-systems to detect the presence of an obstacle in one of the corresponding sectors.

Abstract: A dual function composite system includes a first electronic subsystem, a second electronic subsystem, and a composite member between the first and second electronic subsystems. The composite member includes plies of fabric, and resin impregnating the plies of fabric. At least one ply of the fabric includes signal transmission elements integrated therewith and interconnecting the first electronic subsystem with the second electronic subsystem.

Abstract: An aircraft wing that includes a conductive ground plane adjacent the wingtip, where the ground plane conforms to an aerodynamic surface of the wing. Because the ground plane conforms to the aerodynamic surface, it has minimal impact on the aerodynamics of the wing. The ground plane can be part of a wingtip device that is detachably secured to the tip of a main wing portion. The ground plane described herein can be used on any aircraft wing structure that employs an antenna including, but not limited to, a wing of a UAV.

Abstract: A communication system has a stratospheric platform with a payload controller and a phased array antenna having a plurality of main array elements for generating a plurality of communication beams and a plurality of auxiliary elements for canceling interference between the communication beams. A gateway station communicates with the stratospheric platform. The gateway station scales the plurality of elements to form a reconfigurable plurality of beams. The gateway station communicates an embedded control signal to the stratospheric platform to communicate a scaling of elements to form the communication beams and the auxiliary element output. The auxiliary element output is used to provide interference canceling.

Abstract: A wide-bandwidth antenna (e.g., a rib-dipole antenna) includes a first pole formed by a first conductive member and/or a second pole formed by a second conductive member. The antenna also includes an antenna feed between the first conductive member and the second conductive member. The antenna also includes at least one electrically conductive element including a surface. A portion of the surface is electrically connected to, and extends from, the first conductive member or the second conductive member. The at least one electrically conductive element is capable of conducting a current that generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field lowers a total reactance of the antenna, thereby resulting in enhanced performance of the antenna and more efficient use of volume.

Abstract: A conformal antenna for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that may be applied to a surface of the vehicle. The conformal antenna may be integrated with a surface on the vehicle, and is used to effectively transmit and receive video, command and/or control signals. The conformal antenna allows for the transmission and reception of signals from any direction, and may work with signals greater than a quarter wavelength. A protective layer may be placed over the conformal antenna.

Abstract: A foldable deployable panel device (12) attached to a body (16) of an object is disclosed. The device includes a panel pivotally attached to the body by a first pivot element (40/42) at a first pivot position and a second pivot element (29) at a second pivot position. The first pivot element (40/42) is disengageable from the first pivot position, when the panel (12) is aligned in a predetermined orientation. The second pivot element (29) is fixed at the second pivot position, when the first pivot element (40/42) is engaged at the first pivot position. The panel (12) is urged by an energy storing element (28), when the first pivot element (40/42) is disengaged from the first pivot position, to move into a deployed position.

Abstract: A wireless high-rate communication device for a vehicle, adapted for data exchange between at least one computer system of the vehicle and at least one computer system of a structure separate from the vehicle. The device includes at least one antenna connected to at least one emitter/receiver in turn connected to the at least one computer system of the vehicle, the device adapted for exchanging data according to a point-to-point ultra-wideband communication mode, with a device of the structure including at least one antenna connected to at least one emitter/receiver in turn connected to at least one computer system of the structure when the at least one antenna of the vehicle is in a vicinity of the at least one antenna of the structure.

Abstract: A satellite communications system includes a plurality of feeder link antennas, a primary satellite, and an auxiliary satellite. The feeder link antennas are substantially co-located relative to one another. The primary satellite is configured to receive information over a plurality of return service links from radioterminals, to communicate a first portion of the information over at least one return feeder link directly to a first one of the feeder link antennas, and to communicate a second portion of the information over at least one inter-satellite link. The auxiliary satellite is spaced apart from the primary satellite, and configured to receive the second portion of the information from the primary satellite via the at least one inter-satellite link, and to communicate the second portion of the information across at least one return feeder link to a second one of the feeder link antennas.

Abstract: An antenna device with a system for automatic stabilization and positioning control. The antenna device incorporates micro-electromechanical (MEMs)-based accelerometer and gyroscopic integrated circuit (IC) sensors directly into the antenna base in a vehicle-mounted antenna application. The sensors enable the antenna device to automatically stabilize the antenna to achieve a desired beam sweep region, independent of vehicle movement, without requiring external sensor input. The invention eliminates the need for a communication interface to externally mounted orientation sensors, reduces cable I/O, and eases the installation procedure.

Abstract: An aircraft antenna includes an aerodynamic housing structured for attachment to an outer surface of an aircraft, and the housing contains an electromagnetic radiator and tuned over a first band of frequencies to produce a first function, and a second electromagnetic radiator to produce a second function, said radiators being arranged to decouple the first radiator and the second radiator from each other.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods to transmit power and data are provided. A particular apparatus to transmit power and data includes a transmission medium. The transmission medium includes at least one first frequency selective surface (FSS) layer, at least one second FSS layer, and a dielectric layer separating the at least one first FSS layer and the at least one second FSS layer. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus also includes a first coupler coupled to the transmission medium to send a signal along the transmission medium and a second coupler coupled to the transmission medium. The second coupler may receive signals via the transmission medium, receive power via the transmission medium to power devices coupled to the second coupler, process and send data via the transmission medium, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Compact top-loaded, fractal monopole antenna system embodiments are provided for multi-band airborne operation over ultrabroadband ranges (e.g., 30 to 2000 MHz). These multi-band embodiments are self-contained, aerodynamic and compact (e.g., blade height less than 9.5 inches) and are power efficient with a low return loss (e.g., less than ?7 dB). System embodiments include a set of impedance-matching circuits configured to substantially match an antenna impedance to a predetermined system impedance over a set of predetermined frequency bands. In an embodiment, at least one impedance-matching circuit includes a chain of selectable air-core inductors which are novelly arranged to improve radiation efficiency and prevent damage to support substrates. In an embodiment, a lowest-frequency one of the impedance-matching circuits is configured to process signals having a maximum wavelength ?max wherein a fractal member is configured with a length that does not exceed ?max/40.

Abstract: Composite structures having an integral intelligent skin are made of one or more plies of a structural base material and an intelligent or smart film by molding one or more plies and the film into an integral unitary body with the intelligent film outermost. The intelligent or smart film contains or bears a functionally active or interactive component such as antennae, electronic sensors, electric and/or electronic circuitry, and/or spectrally tailored coatings. A method of making the composite structure in a very economical manner is disclosed.