The primary Phase I effort proposed here will demonstrate how to use a new technology to achieve conformal and very-low profile antennas that have a radiation pattern, power, and similar electrical characteristics to the existing monopole (blade or whip) antenna. This technology has been demonstrated in the UHF frequency band; in this proposal, the technology will be scaled to HF and VHF frequencies and demonstrated. In addition, military operational needs and factors will be addressed.
Benefit: The ability to reduce a whip or blade antenna into a flat, conformal loop or rod, will reduce the risk of entanglement and interference from overhead objects, including electrical shock from power lines, and reduce visual signature. The technology employed here can be used in any antenna, but is especially valuable for lower frequency antennas with dimensional constraints. The technology is expected to work differently, but equally well on conductive surfaces such as earth, and in free space. The technology is available for a variety of ground and airborne applications.
Keywords: HF, HF, blade, whip, monopole, Dipole, low-profile, VHF, SINCGARS
