Design and In-Flight Performance of a Modified Structural Antenna Concept for Small UAS

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with radar offer low-cost solutions for conducting airborne remote sensing as well as provide an alternative for individual investigators to conduct fine-grid surveys over specific targets. This paper presents a modified design of a near-HF structural antenna concept developed by the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS) at the University of Kansas for small UAS, specifically AeroVironment’s Vapor 55 helicopter UAS. The modified antenna design utilizes an elliptical cross section instead of the “C” and “I” cross-sections used in the original antenna design’s arcs and center section, respectively. The motivation of this redesign was to produce a lighter-weight, more aerodynamic design with comparable or better electrical performance to the original design. Experimental modal testing, electrical measurements in an anechoic chamber, and in-flight measurements were conducted on the modified structural antenna concept.