Quadrifilar Helix Antenna for Enhanced Air-to-Ground Communications

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1008979 | Open PDF

Abstract:

A self-phased quadrifilar helix antenna is designed, simulated, fabricated and measured for use in Army air-to-ground and airborne-assisted ground-to-ground communication systems. The effect of the metallic ground plane provided by the aircraft fuselage is explored through simulation, and the ideal standoff distance from this ground plane to maximize realized gain is determined. The inclusion of radio frequency (RF) absorber material to shield the antenna from the metallic ground plane is also explored. Prototype antenna measurements are presented and compared with simulation results. The antenna operates very well over the intended TW-400 RF band, with a realized gain of ~4 to 4.5 dBiC and functional beamwidth of ~90 deg. to 110 deg..

Author(s):
Keller, Steven D. ; Coburn, William O. ; Anthony, Theodore K. ; Mccormick, Seth A.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY RESEARCH LAB ADELPHI MD;
Funding Organization(s):
Publication Date:
2016 May 01
Pagination:
0

Security Markings

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
frequency bands, radiation patterns, coaxial cables, communication systems, frequency, materials, radio frequency, polarization, bandwidth, resonant frequency, airborne, aircrafts, alkenes, antennas, cables, circular polarization, coefficients
Keyword(s):
quadrifilar helix, communication, RF ANTENNAS, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, air-to-ground communication systems, ground-to-ground communication systems, radio frequency band, QHA(quadrifilar helix antenna)
Subject Categories:
Electrotechnology and Fluidics; Communications
Update Date:
2019 Feb 11