External antenna assembly of double-tail-boom fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an external antenna assembly of a double-tail-boom fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, and particularly relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle antennas. Comprising two first transmitting antennas which are symmetrically fixed on two sides of a head of the unmanned aerial vehicle; the first transmitting antenna is used for positioning the unmanned aerial vehicle; the two second transmitting antennas and the two first transmitting antennas are correspondingly embedded into two vertical tails of the unmanned aerial vehicle respectively; the second transmitting antenna is used for data transmission; the even number of first detection antennas are symmetrically fixed to the two sides of the fuselage of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the first detection antennas extend in the horizontal direction; the first detection antenna is used for performing omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction; the multiple second detection antennas are correspondingly connected to tail booms of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the second detection antennas extend in the vertical direction; the second detection antenna is used for omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction. Based on the external antenna assembly, the aerodynamic configuration and the electromagnetic performance can be considered at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) antennas, and more particularly to an external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of information technology, the use of drones for electronic warfare and communication jamming is becoming increasingly important. Drone electronic warfare and communication jamming primarily rely on sets of external antennas, which operate by being mounted on the surface of the drone. They offer advantages such as low cost, high efficiency, and high flexibility, and are becoming a mainstay of electronic warfare and a future development direction.

[0003] The placement of external antennas on twin-boom fixed-wing UAVs needs to ensure the antennas function effectively while minimizing their impact on the UAV's aerodynamic performance. External antennas, typically protruding from the fuselage surface, increase pressure drag and friction drag, significantly reducing the UAV's endurance, range, maximum speed, and ceiling. However, antenna performance is also affected by its relative position to the fuselage and its installation angle. To avoid reflecting electromagnetic waves and interfering with onboard equipment, it's generally required to mount it on the fuselage surface to ensure unobstructed and interference-free operation. Furthermore, achieving omnidirectional coverage usually requires multiple antenna elements, using algorithms to synthesize beams and overcome blind spots. This often leads to a conflict between UAV flight performance and antenna performance when placing external antennas, making it impossible to simultaneously achieve optimal aerodynamic shape and electromagnetic performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide an external antenna assembly for a twin-tail-boost fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, which aims to solve the problem in the prior art that it is impossible to simultaneously achieve both aerodynamic shape and electromagnetic performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: two first transmitting antennas symmetrically fixed on both sides of the UAV's nose and covered by fairings; the first transmitting antennas are used for UAV positioning; two second transmitting antennas, the two first transmitting antennas respectively embedded inside the two vertical tails of the UAV; the second transmitting antennas are used for data transmission; an even number of first detection antennas symmetrically fixed on both sides of the UAV's fuselage, the first detection antennas extending horizontally and covered by fairings; the first detection antennas are used for omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction; and multiple second detection antennas respectively connected to the tail booms of the UAV, the second detection antennas extending vertically and covered by fairings; the second detection antennas are used for omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction.

[0006] Optionally, each second detection antenna is connected to the tail support of the drone via a support assembly, and the distance between the two adjacent second detection antennas and the tail support of the drone is different.

[0007] Optionally, the support assembly includes a sleeve that is fitted onto the tail support of the UAV. A first connecting rod and a second connecting rod are sequentially connected to the side wall of the sleeve. The angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod is greater than or equal to 90°. The second connecting rod is perpendicularly connected to the second detection antenna.

[0008] Optionally, in two adjacent support components, the angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod is different.

[0009] Optionally, both ends of the sleeve are reduced diameter ends.

[0010] Optionally, the fairing may be elliptical in shape.

[0011] Optionally, the first transmitting antenna is a satellite positioning antenna, and the second transmitting antenna is a data link antenna.

[0012] Optionally, the first detection antenna is a monopole antenna and the second detection antenna is a dipole antenna.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The external antenna assembly of the dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV of the present invention provides omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction through a first detection antenna symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage, and a second detection antenna connected to each tail boom of the UAV provides omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage in both the horizontal and vertical directions, eliminating blind spots, and ensuring the electromagnetic performance of the antennas. This arrangement forms spatial diversity with the fuselage antennas, so that the main beam directions of different antennas are naturally staggered, further reducing the possibility of mutual coupling and interference. The first detection antenna is mounted on the fuselage surface, the second detection antenna is mounted on the tail boom, and the second transmitting antenna is mounted inside the vertical tail, occupying little internal space of the UAV. The first transmitting antenna is mounted on both sides of the nose, with the fuselage as a shield to avoid interference with its own equipment. The multiple antennas are arranged in series to reduce aerodynamic drag. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external antenna assembly of a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to this application; Figure 2 This is a top view of an external antenna assembly for a twin-tail-boost fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle according to this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support component in the external antenna assembly of a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to this application; Figure 4This is a diagram showing the position of the second detection antenna in an external antenna assembly for a twin-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second detection antenna in the external antenna assembly of a twin-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the front and rear second detection antennas in the external antenna assembly of a twin-tail-boost fixed-wing UAV according to this application; Figure 7 This is a partial physical image of an external antenna assembly for a twin-tail-boom fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to this application.

[0015] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide an external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, the system includes: two first transmitting antennas 1, symmetrically fixed on both sides of the nose of the UAV and covered by fairings; the first transmitting antennas 1 are used for UAV positioning; two second transmitting antennas, the two first transmitting antennas 1 respectively embedded inside the two vertical tails of the UAV; the second transmitting antennas 2 are used for data transmission; an even number of first detection antennas 3, symmetrically fixed on both sides of the fuselage of the UAV, the first detection antennas 3 extending horizontally and covered by fairings; the first detection antennas 3 are used for omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction; and multiple second detection antennas 4, symmetrically connected to the tail support of the UAV, the second detection antennas 4 extending vertically and covered by fairings; the second detection antennas 4 are used for omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction.

[0018] In this embodiment, multiple antennas are arranged on the symmetrical plane of the UAV to ensure that the antenna weights on both sides of the UAV are symmetrical, thereby making the aerodynamic drag symmetrical. In the heading direction, the multiple antennas are arranged in series to reduce aerodynamic drag. The first detection antenna 3, which is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage, provides omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction, that is, it covers the azimuth plane of the UAV. The second detection antenna 4, which is connected to each tail boom of the UAV, points to the zenith and the ground, and provides omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction, thereby achieving full coverage in both the horizontal and vertical directions and eliminating blind spots. The first detection antenna 3 and the second detection antenna 4 are located outside the fuselage, which can avoid obstruction and signal attenuation. The two first transmitting antennas 1 are set on both sides of the nose, with the fuselage as a shield to avoid interference with its own equipment. The second transmitting antenna 2 is arranged inside the vertical tail, which is beneficial to aerodynamic performance. The small-volume first detection antenna 3 is installed on the surface of the fuselage, the large-volume second detection antenna 4 is installed on the tail boom, and the transmitting antenna is installed inside the vertical tail, which occupies little internal space of the UAV.

[0019] Among them, the first transmitting antenna 1 is a satellite positioning antenna, the second transmitting antenna 2 is a data link antenna, the first detection antenna 3 is a monopole antenna, and the second detection antenna 4 is a dipole antenna.

[0020] For example, the number of first detection antennas 3 is an even number, such as 2, 4, 6, or 8, depending on the specific characteristics of the UAV. The first detection antenna 3 is a relatively small antenna, for example, approximately 100mm in length, which allows it to conform well to the skin and utilize a low-profile fairing, minimizing its impact on the UAV's aerodynamic performance. The number of second detection antennas 4 is also an even number, such as 2 or 4, symmetrically distributed on the two tail booms. The second detection antenna 4 is a relatively large antenna, for example, approximately 650mm in length, mounted on the dual tail booms to maximize isolation from its own equipment and avoid self-interference. The second transmitting antenna 2 has high power and can tolerate losses, therefore it can be installed internally without affecting the aerodynamic shape; simultaneously, installation inside the relatively independent vertical tail allows it to be kept away from other onboard equipment, reducing electromagnetic interference.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the second detection antennas 4 is connected to the tail support of the drone via a support component 5, and the distance between two adjacent second detection antennas 4 and the tail support of the drone is different.

[0022] Specifically, such as Figure 3-6As shown, the support assembly 5 includes a sleeve 51, which is fitted onto the tail support of the UAV. A first connecting rod 52 and a second connecting rod 53 are sequentially connected to the side wall of the sleeve 51. The angle between the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 is greater than or equal to 90°. The second connecting rod 53 is perpendicularly connected to the second detection antenna 4. The angles between the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 are different in two adjacent support assemblies 5.

[0023] In this embodiment, a large second detection antenna 4 is mounted on the tail support of the UAV by a support assembly 5 consisting of a sleeve 51, a first connecting rod 52, and a second connecting rod 53. The second detection antenna 4 points towards the zenith and the ground, achieving vertical radiation coverage. By using the different angles between the first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 in the two support assemblies 5, the two adjacent second detection antennas 4 are arranged in a staggered tandem arrangement in the flight direction, which can reduce aerodynamic drag.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the two ends of the sleeve 51 are tapered ends, meaning the diameter at both ends is smaller than the diameter of the middle section. The fairing is elliptical in shape. The first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 are also streamlined, and the streamlined features of the fairing and sleeve 51 minimize aerodynamic drag.

[0025] like Figure 7 As shown, to further reduce aerodynamic drag, each of the first transmitting antenna 1 and the first detecting antenna 3 can be covered by a radome, or adjacent antennas can be installed within the same radome, depending on the specific circumstances. The shape of the radome can be an ellipse with both ends being the same size, or a shape with different sizes at both ends, or a square shape, depending on the size of the antenna, as long as it is streamlined and does not have right angles. For example, the first transmitting antenna 1 and its adjacent first detecting antenna 3 can be covered by a radome. Since the size of the first transmitting antenna 1 is larger than the size of the first detecting antenna 3, a conical surface is formed on the radome. The radome of the second detecting antenna 4 is installed outside the antenna body and does not cover the support assembly 5.

[0026] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boost fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized in that, include: Two first transmitting antennas are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the nose of the UAV and covered with fairings; The first transmitting antenna is used for locating the UAV; Two second transmitting antennas and two first transmitting antennas are respectively embedded inside the two vertical tails of the UAV; The second transmitting antenna is used for data transmission; An even number of first detection antennas are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the UAV fuselage. The first detection antennas extend horizontally and are covered by fairings. The first detection antennas are used to provide omnidirectional radiation coverage in the horizontal direction. Multiple second detection antennas are respectively connected to the tail boom of the UAV. The second detection antennas extend vertically and are covered by a fairing. The second detection antennas are used to provide omnidirectional radiation coverage in the vertical direction.

2. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the second detection antennas is connected to the tail boom of the drone via a support assembly, and the distance between the two adjacent second detection antennas and the tail boom of the drone is different.

3. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support assembly includes a sleeve that is fitted onto the tail support of the UAV. A first connecting rod and a second connecting rod are sequentially connected to the side wall of the sleeve. The angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod is greater than or equal to 90°. The second connecting rod is perpendicularly connected to the second detection antenna.

4. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the two adjacent support components, the angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod is different.

5. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two ends of the sleeve are reduced diameter ends.

6. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fairing is elliptical in shape.

7. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmitting antenna is a satellite positioning antenna, and the second transmitting antenna is a data link antenna.

8. The external antenna assembly for a dual-tail-boom fixed-wing UAV according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first detection antenna is a monopole antenna, and the second detection antenna is a dipole antenna.

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