Structural integration of a thin conformal annular slot antenna for UAV applications

An antenna integration concept for carbon fibre reinforced plastics is presented, using the example of a thin conformal S-band annular slot antenna on a UAV. Instead of cutting large holes into the aircraft shell or a panel as usually done for conformal antennas, the antenna is moulded into the laminate. Smooth load transitions for maximum mechanical stability are created in this way. Simulation and measurement results of the antenna performance are shown. Additional advantages of the annular slot antenna over normal blade antennas are presented with regard to typical UAV applications.