Structurally-integrated, space-fed phased array antenna system for use on an aircraft

An antenna system for an aircraft for enabling wireless communication with a space-based device, said antenna system comprising:

• a first antenna disposed one of flush with and above a skin of a fuselage of said aircraft at a first area of said aircraft;
• a second antenna supported on said aircraft at a second area of said aircraft spaced apart from said first area and within a fine of sight of said first antenna, and further wherein said first and second antennas are structurally independent components supported independently of one another, for providing a signal feed to said first antenna, said second antenna being positioned to minimize an aerodynamic drag on said aircraft;
• and
• said first antenna enabling a beam generated thereby to be steered toward, a horizon of the earth.

An antenna system for an aircraft for enabling wireless communication with a space-based device during flight of the aircraft, said antenna system comprising:

• a conformal antenna disposed one of flush with and above a skin of a fuselage of said aircraft at a position along one of a port and starboard side of said fuselage, and along a rear half of said fuselage within a line of sight of a horizontal stabilizer of said aircraft;
• a feed horn integrally formed into a leading edge of a horizontal stabilizer of said aircraft within a line of sight of said conformal antenna for providing a space fed signal to said conformal antenna;
• and
• said conformal antenna enabling a beam from said antenna to be steered within a range including both above and below a horizon of the earth while said aircraft is in flight.

A method for transmitting wireless information from an aircraft, comprising:

• disposing a first antenna one of flush with and above a skin of a fuselage of said aircraft;
• disposing a second antenna on a portion of said aircraft projecting from said fuselage such that said second antenna is disposed within a line of sight of said first antenna;
• using said second antenna to provide a space fed signal to said first antenna;
• and
• using said first antenna to receive said space fed signal and to project a beam toward a separate airborne device.

A method for transmitting wireless information from an aircraft, comprising:

• disposing a first antenna one of flush with and above a skin of a fuselage of said aircraft on one of a starboard side and a port side of said aircraft, and along a rear one half of said aircraft within a line of sight of a horizontal stabilizer of said aircraft;
• disposing a second antenna on said horizontal stabilizer of said aircraft within a line of sight of said first antenna;
• using said second antenna to provide a space fed signal to said first antenna;
• and
• using said first antenna to receive said space fed signal and to project a beam toward a separate airborne device.