Advanced Multi-Band Electronic Surveillance Measure (ESM) Antenna

The Spectra-GTRI team proposes an innovative approach to optimizing weight on UAVs by integrating the antenna systems directly into the UAV wing or fuselage mechanical structure. By carving slot antennas of various sizes out of the wing structure, an array of bandwidths can be accommodated. Employing pairs or sets of antennas across the wingspan enables the use of direction finding to determine RF emission source bearing. The dual use of a structural feature as a sensor offers an innovative approach to minimizing weight on ESM platforms. Employing GTRI's advances in fragmented aperture and MetaMaterials research, a wing, tail, or fuselage of a UAV can be utilized as a radiating antenna without loss of structural integrity.