Abstract

In the ACASIAS project an integrated antenna for Ku-band satellite communication has been developed. The design of this integrated antenna has to meet structural, electromagnetic and thermal requirements. This paper addresses the electromagnetic performance of the antenna both by design and by measurement. For the design of the antenna, the electromagnetic interaction of the antenna with the conducting Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) ribs of the orthogrid and the interaction with the Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) skin of the panel have been analysed. In addition, the influence of potential lightning diverters on the antenna performance has been analysed. The radiation pattern of a single antenna tile and the radiation pattern of an antenna tile integrated in the orthogrid fuselage panel were measured. The results of the antenna measurements are compared with the results of the simulations carried out for the design of the antenna.