UAV Phased Array Formation for Rapid Deployable Antennas

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rapidly deployable antennas are limited by fixed positioning, scalability, transportability, scan capability, and weather resilience, and lack robust survivability.

Innovation Solution

A rapidly deployable phased array system utilizing compact, battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying in a formation with array lattice spacing, equipped with phased array elements and a signal processing module, which can be dynamically configured for various missions and terrain conditions, and includes a remote beacon for navigation and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional rapidly deployable antennas are used, then deployment speed is improved, but position flexibility and transportability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidposition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is divided into multiple independent UAV platforms, each carrying a phased array element. These segmented units can deploy independently and form a complete array through coordinated positioning, enabling both rapid deployment and flexible reconfiguration across different locations and terrains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed ground-based antenna to a dynamic airborne configuration using UAVs. The UAVs can dynamically adjust their positions in three-dimensional space, allowing the phased array to be rapidly deployed, repositioned, and reconfigured according to mission requirements without ground infrastructure constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed position antennas are used, then structural stability is improved, but scan capability and weather resilience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidscan capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system moves from a two-dimensional ground plane to three-dimensional airborne space. UAVs can operate at different altitudes and horizontal positions, providing volumetric coverage and enhanced scan capabilities while maintaining structural integrity through coordinated formation flying and stable phased array signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If scalable antenna systems are used, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity and transportability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each UAV platform is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can operate independently or as part of a larger array. The modular design allows the same basic platform to scale from small reconnaissance missions to large-area surveillance by simply adding or removing UAVs, without requiring fundamentally different system architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If robust survivability is improved, then system reliability is improved, but deployment flexibility and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesurvivabilityVSAvoiddeployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs redundant UAV platforms where individual units can be discarded or replaced if damaged, while the overall array continues to operate with reduced capability. This approach maintains high survivability through redundancy while preserving deployment flexibility, as new UAVs can be quickly integrated to restore full array performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables high-speed wireless communications, radar operations, and flexible deployment in diverse environments, with reduced downtime through battery-powered UAV rotation and scalable, reconfigurable phased array systems.

Implementation Method 1

a signal processing module configured to receive and process a signal to achieve for the array lattice spacing a spacing that is less than a wavelength of operation of the phased array elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased array signal processing:

Implementation Method 2

A remote beacon generating station can provide a reference beacon to enable the UAVs to navigate to the desired array element lattice spacing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

the UAVs include a Global Positioning Receiver (GPS) unit for synchronizing the phased array elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS signal reception and synchronization:

Data Source

PatentUS10379203B2Methods and apparatus for mobile phased array system

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Method and apparatus for a phased array system including a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) configured to fly in an array formation having an array lattice spacing. The UAVs can include a puck having a phased array element and a signal processing module configured to receive and process a signal to achieve for the array lattice spacing a spacing that is less than a wavelength of operation of the phased array elements.