Antenna Detuning on Projectiles

Abstract

As more precision munitions are requiring in-flight radio services, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) or telemetry, it is important to get the antenna designs that are used right. This memorandum describes the effects of antenna detuning, a phenomena where unintended close proximity of an antennas radiating elements to the metal projectile body and the dielectric loading caused by radome or a windscreen will shift the antenna out of its designed radio frequency band. This will reduce or eliminate its ability to provide radio coverage by shifting its center frequency, reducing its gain, and skewing its radiation pattern. Project managers should expect this to occur in every precision munition end-application and will result in decreased performance and even test failure if not mitigated. An explanation of the two phenomena are given for the case of GPS microstrip (patch) antennas, along with methods of correction.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1097798

Entities

People

  • Aaron Barton

Organizations

  • Picatinny Arsenal

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Circular Polarization
  • Detuning
  • Dielectrics
  • Frequency
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Munitions
  • Perturbation Theory
  • Precision
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Projectiles
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Telemetry

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space