Broadband hf dismount antenna

A broadband HF antenna system, comprising

• a rigid chassis containing an impedance matching network;
• a radiating element in the form of a continuous conductive loop comprised of first and second elongated conductor portions electrically connected to the impedance matching network;
• the first elongated conductor portion attached at one end to the rigid chassis, and resiliently urged to a curved state by a tension force applied by the second elongated conductor portion;
• and
• the second elongated conductor portion comprising an elongated flexible wire, and wherein a spacing between the first and second elongated conductor portions necessary to establish the continuous conductive loop is maintained exclusive of any spacer or hanger element.

A method of forming a broadband HF antenna system, comprising:

• fixing a whip antenna to a first antenna connector disposed on a rigid chassis to establish a first electrical connection to an impedance matching network;
• forming at a location distal from the rigid chassis an electrical connection between a first elongated conductor portion of the whip antenna and an elongated conductor wire to define a continuous conductor loop antenna radiating element;
• applying tension to the elongated conductor wire to impart a curvature to the whip antenna, whereby a gap distance is increased between the elongated conductor wire and the whip antenna;
• releasably securing the elongated conductor wire to an anchor provided on the rigid chassis so as to maintain the tension;
• and
• electrically connecting the elongated conductor wire to a second antenna connector disposed on the rigid chassis to establish a second electrical connection to the impedance matching network.