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US 2012/0256797 A1Published application
Increased gain in an array antenna through optimal suspension of piece-wise linear conductors
AssigneeEMS Technologies Canada, Ltd.
InventorsPeter C. Strickland, Hugh Adam Stuart Blackadder
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a high-performance and lightweight helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The RF performance of the array is enhanced by using ribs and sleeves to reduce the dielectric volume of the support structures of the antenna elements, and by providing apertures within the sleeves of the support structures and between the ribs thereof.
Claims12
An antenna comprising:
- a ground plane;
- and
- an array of helical antenna elements, each helical antenna element comprising a support structure and a conductor helically supported thereby defining respective element axes extending from the ground plane in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, the helical antenna element having a terminal end and having a base end mounted to the ground plane;
- wherein the support structure of at least one helical antenna element comprises a series of support ribs extending substantially radially outward from an internal, hollow, dielectric cylinder, the support ribs comprising a series of substantially parallel longitudinal ribs symmetrically circumscribing the support structure.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.