Abstract

This study presents the development results of Conformal SATCOM Array Antenna Structure(CSAAS) for transmitting. Tile Type antenna with 8x8 antenna element array has been developed instead of reflector antenna. 8x8 tile antennas are arrayed on the curved surface with one directional curvature to simulate aircraft skin configuration. Housing has the grid structure to minimize out-of-plane deformation that affects the antenna performances. Tile antennas are attached to the surfaces between grids. Radome is designed as an A-sandwich type to carry some distributed skin load and glass epoxy material with lowest dielectric constant and loss tangent was used for the best electromagnetic performance. One tile antenna is designed with a separate data control and power connection for vertical and horizontal polarization. The static structural strength of the housing and impact strength of the radome were verified by the analysis and tests. Beam pattern test, beam control test and beam steering test are performed in an anechoic chamber for the transmitting CSAAS. The results of structural and electromagnetic tests showed that the design objects met the goal successfully.

Abstract

This paper shows the drag and emission reduction potential of integrated, flush communication antennas at the surface of an airliner. The CFD simulations of the aircraft model representing a modern airliner with radome in different locations on its upper part of the fuselage have been done. The results have been compared with the baseline configuration of the aircraft without radome. The aerodynamic equivalent weight penalty and additional fuel needed due to the drag of the radome and its weight itself have been calculated by two approaches. The obtained drag reduction potential has been used for the estimation of the CO₂ and NO_x emissions reduction by using integrated antenna.