Steerable antenna assembly

A method, comprising:

• securing one or more first antenna elements to a composite substrate;
• securing a microstrip feed network to the composite substrate;
• electrically coupling the one or more first antenna elements to the microstrip feed network;
• positioning a switch within a cavity of the composite substrate;
• and
• electrically connecting the switch to the microstrip feed network, wherein the switch is configured to selectively control the one or more first antenna elements.

An antenna assembly, comprising:

• a composite substrate including a first dielectric, a second dielectric, a third dielectric, and a fourth dielectric, wherein a cavity is formed in one of more of the first dielectric, the second dielectric, the third dielectric, or the fourth dielectric;
• one or more first antenna elements disposed on a top surface of the first dielectric;
• a microstrip feed network embedded within the composite substrate and disposed on the third dielectric, wherein the first dielectric is separated from third dielectric by the second dielectric, wherein the one or more first antenna elements are electrically coupled to the microstrip feed network;
• a switch positioned within the cavity, wherein the switch is electrically connected to the microstrip feed network, and wherein the switch is configured to selectively control the one or more first antenna elements;
• a dielectric lens disposed on the top surface of the first dielectric over the one or more first antenna element, wherein the dielectric lens includes a hemispherical dome mounted on a top surface over the one or more first antenna elements, and wherein the one or more first antenna elements are enclosed between the dielectric lens and the top surface of the composite substrate;
• a first ground plane disposed on a bottom surface of the fourth dielectric below the one or more first antenna elements;
• a second ground plane disposed on the top surface of the first dielectric away from the one or more first antenna elements;
• one or more electrical vias extending through the composite substrate and electrically connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane;
• one or more second antenna elements disposed on the bottom surface of the fourth dielectric away from the first ground plane and below the second ground plane;
• one or more microstrip feed lines that electrically couple the one or more second antenna elements to the switch;
• and
• a waveguide disposed on the bottom surface of the fourth dielectric, wherein the one or more second antenna elements are within a central channel of the waveguide.