Advanced Multi-Band Electronic Surveillance Measure (ESM) Antenna

Spectra Research, Inc. has teamed with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to develop a miniaturized broadband antenna solution for electronic support measures (ESM) missions. The antenna will be designed for conformal mounting (for very low profile) on UAV platforms with low observable (LO) requirements. Two versions of the antenna will cover the required frequency range: low-band (100MHz - 2GHz) and high-band (2GHz - 18GHz). By leveraging the development team’s recent advancements in meta-materials research, along with its fragmented aperture design methodology, these antennas will be optimized for minimum size, weight and thickness. In addition, the specially designed connected array concept that was demonstrated during Phase I offers inherent low-signature integration capabilities. These antennas will have thickness ranging from millimeters to centimeters and footprints of less than 30cm, compatible with the space limitations of a UAV wing structure.