INTEGRATED ANTENNA AND ANTENNA COMPONENT

• US 20140306851A1
• Filed: 04/11/2013
• Published: 10/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Hall, Charles A., Drury, Lawrence Paul III, Sloffer, Keith E.
• Granted Patent: US 9,705,185 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/705
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/28 Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/0275 Ridged horns slot-line radiating ends H01Q13/085
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/085 Slot-line radiating ends

Abstract

An antenna is disclosed. The antenna can include an aerodynamic surface and an antenna component comprising a structure configured to extend from the aerodynamic surface. The structure and at least a portion of the aerodynamic surface can form an antenna, such as a half double-ridge horn antenna or a half Vivaldi antenna. In one aspect, the structure can be configured to support a pod, thus integrating the antenna with a mechanical mounting structure for the pod.

Claims

1. An antenna component, comprising:

a structure configured to extend from an aerodynamic surface,

wherein the structure and at least a portion of the aerodynamic surface form an antenna.

2. The antenna component of claim 1, wherein the structure and the aerodynamic surface are configured to form a half double-ridge horn antenna or a half Vivaldi antenna.

3. The antenna component of claim 1, wherein the structure is configured to support a pod.

4. The antenna component of claim 1, wherein the structure is configured to be cantilevered from a support member for the aerodynamic surface.

5. The antenna component of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises an antenna portion and a support portion.

6. An antenna, comprising:

an aerodynamic surface; and

a structure extending from the aerodynamic surface,

wherein the structure and at least a portion of the aerodynamic surface form an antenna.

7. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the structure and the aerodynamic surface are configured to form a half double-ridge horn antenna or a half Vivaldi antenna.

8. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the aerodynamic surface forms part of an aircraft.

9. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the aerodynamic surface comprises an air foil.

10. The antenna of claim 9, wherein the air foil comprises a wing.

11. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the structure is configured to support a pod.

12. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the structure is cantilevered from a support member for the aerodynamic surface.

13. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the structure comprises an antenna portion and a support portion.

14. The antenna of claim 6, further comprising a conductive cladding configured to cover a portion of the aerodynamic surface to enhance RF performance of the aerodynamic surface.

15. The antenna of claim 14, wherein the conductive cladding comprises copper tape.

16. The antenna of claim 14, wherein the conductive cladding covers a discontinuity in the aerodynamic surface.

17. A method for facilitating construction of an antenna, comprising:

providing a structure configured to extend from an aerodynamic surface;

facilitating use of the structure and at least a portion of the aerodynamic surface as an antenna.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the structure and the aerodynamic surface are configured to form a half-double ridge horn antenna or a half Vivaldi antenna.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the aerodynamic surface comprises a wing of an aircraft.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the structure is configured to support a pod.