Conformal load bearing antenna structure using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)

Modern aircraft communication systems are required to operate over a wide range of different frequency bands. Communication services can lead to the requirement for more than 15 different antenna structures. Modern examples of such antenna structures include blade antennas. Typically these antennas are mounted perpendicular to the skin of an aircraft in multiple positions to reduce interference and maintain aerodynamic performance. Blade antennas or those rigid antennas, which protrude from the exterior of an aircraft, can significantly increase parasitic drag. This in turn reduces aerodynamic performance affecting maximum airspeed, range, payload capacity and increase takeoff distances. Smart skin technology can be utilized to embed the antenna elements into the skin of aircraft wing or fuselage structures. The antenna would form a conformal, load bearing structure that can reduce aircraft weight, radar cross-section and aerodynamic parasitic drag [1]. This leads to a more efficient use of the existing aero-structure, providing a raft of benefits.