Durable conformal antenna on UAVs
Abstract
Conformal Loadbearing Antenna Structures (CLAS) take advantage of a combination of structural and electricalfunctions. CLAS is developed as an advanced replacement for conventional antennas (such as blades, wires,dishes) to improve structural efficiency, electromagnetic and aerodynamic performance of the platform. TheCLAS concept permits the direct integration of microwave radiating elements in the structural skin of platform asconceptually illustrated in Figure 1.The CLAS concept will reduces weight, drag and signature while potentially enhancing the antenna performance, damage resistance and structural efficiency of the platform. The CLAS concept may allow for significantly larger microwave apertures on space limited platforms such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Larger apertures will allow for low-frequency or highly directive low probability of intercept communications. CLAS is designed as a multi-layered structure made from composite materials such as glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and chopped strand conductive veils. The aim of this research is to understand the mechanics of fatigue resistant conformal antenna elements that can be efficiently integrated into load bearing composite aircraft structures. Significant new research is required in this multi-physics area. The objectives of the work are: a. Conduct an investigation on the fatigue response of the chopped strand conductive veil used to manufacture antenna elements. b. Development of a structural design strategy to optimise placement of the load bearing conformable antenna on a small unmanned aircraft wing structure. c. Validation of small skin panels with antennas to maximise both mechanical performance and RF performance, and then move to design and test validation of a small wing structure with antennas. d. To conduct radar cross section (RCS) tests on a test specimen with a geometry similar to the wing span of the UAV. This will help establish the basis for future developments to reduce the RCS of these conformal antenna.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 09, 2020
- Source ID
- N629092112003
Entities
People
- Wing Chiu
Organizations
- Monash University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy