Structure-Independent Conformal Quasi-Isotropic Antennas for Small Unmanned Aircraft System Applications

Abstract

Communication systems for aircraft are often implemented through antennas that protrude from the airframe and contain radiation nulls - which have detrimental effects on the aerodynamics of the craft and its ability to maintain a strong data link with a ground station through maneuvers, respectively. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in particular would greatly benefit from the use of quasi-isotropic and conformal antennas due to the increased impact of aerodynamics and communication links on their performance. Previous work has pursued antennas that either produce an approximately uniform power distribution or function favorably under significant conformation. This work provides an investigation of antennas that exhibit traits of conformality or quasi-isotropic radiation when conformed to a SUAS airframe. A specific variant of a dipole structure is explored and shown to have a highly quasi-isotropic radiation pattern within a size constrained form factor and conformal to the surface of typical SUAS. Considerations are made for the practical challenges of conformal attachment to SUAS and the tangible improvement on the communication system is assessed.