Nested Multi-Band Antenna Arrays for Vertical Lift Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
In military applications, especially on limited real estate platforms like attack helicopters, there is a need for multiple redundant communication options beyond line-of-sight, which is typically met by SATCOM and HF NVIS systems, but HF antennas are large and consume valuable surface area, limiting the integration of higher frequency antennas.
Innovation Solution
The integration of HF and higher frequency antennas, such as VHF and UHF, into the same aircraft body panels, where HF antennas define large internal areas and additional higher frequency antennas are disposed within, allowing for operation as a steerable array on parallel surfaces to minimize space usage and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HF antennas are incorporated into aircraft body panels, then beyond-line-of-sight communication capability is improved, but available surface area for other antennas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing VHF and UHF antennas within the internal area enclosed by the HF antenna loop. The HF antenna defines a large internal area that accommodates additional higher frequency antennas, allowing multiple antenna functions in a hierarchical arrangement where smaller antennas are nested inside the larger HF antenna's enclosed space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space within the HF antenna loop by positioning higher frequency antennas on opposite sides of the aircraft fuselage. This spatial arrangement in the internal volume rather than on the external surface allows multiple antenna types to coexist without competing for two-dimensional surface area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequencies, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into an integrated system where HF, VHF, and UHF antennas are combined in a unified configuration. The VHF and UHF antennas are positioned in close proximity within the same body panel structure, creating a consolidated antenna assembly that provides multi-frequency communication capability while reducing the overall number of separate antenna components.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft body panels are designed with universal multi-functionality to accommodate multiple antenna types. The same body panel structure serves as the mounting platform for HF, VHF, and UHF antennas, allowing a single structural component to fulfill multiple antenna support functions across different frequency ranges.
3Reliability
If HF antennas are used for beyond-line-of-sight communication, then communication range is improved, but antenna size and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the size issue by nesting VHF and UHF antennas within the internal area of the HF antenna loop. This nested arrangement allows the HF antenna to maintain its large loop structure necessary for beyond-line-of-sight communication while accommodating smaller higher frequency antennas inside, thereby providing multi-frequency capability without proportionally increasing overall antenna dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of antennas, each having disparity operating frequencies, are incorporated into the same aircraft body panels. HF antennas define loops with large internal areas; additional higher frequency antennas are disposed within that large internal area. The higher frequency antennas are sufficiently different so as to prevent coupling. Antennas operating in the same frequency range, disposed on different parallel surfaces are operated in concert as a steerable array.