VHF folded structurally integrated antenna for vertical lift aircraft

A communication system comprising:

• at least one panel defining a slotted antenna comprising:
• a flared first terminal portion;
• a flared second terminal portion;
• a substantially constant width rectangular portion comprising three portions, continuously connected by two curves such that the substantially constant width rectangular portion is electronically larger than would otherwise fit in the at least one panel;
• and
• at least two electronically addressable feed elements, each connected to opposing surfaces of the substantially constant rectangular portion, disposed at various locations of the substantially constant rectangular portion to operate the slotted antenna at different frequencies;
• and
• at least one processor in data communication with each feed element, the at least one processor configured to apply signals to each feed element to produce radiation patterns via a corresponding slotted antenna.

An airborne platform comprising:

• at least one panel defining a slotted antenna comprising:
• a flared first terminal portion;
• a flared second terminal portion;
• a substantially constant width rectangular portion comprising a first portion and a second portion continuously connected by a curve such that the substantially constant width rectangular portion is electronically larger than would otherwise fit in the at least one panel;
• and
• at least two electronically addressable feed elements, each connected to opposing surfaces of the substantially constant rectangular portion, disposed at various locations of the substantially constant rectangular portion to operate the slotted antenna at different frequencies;
• and
• at least one processor in data communication with each feed element, the at least one processor configured to apply signals to each feed element to produce radiation patterns via a corresponding slotted antenna.