Near-field, mutual coupling degradation on antenna bandwidth for an airborne ice-penetrating and imaging radar

Airborne remote sensing systems utilized for imaging ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland have distinct advantages over ground and satellite systems, but strict structural limitations impose antenna performance-degrading objects near the antennas. These metallic objects required for the aircraft degrade the antenna bandwidth which is critical for accurate imaging of the internal layers and basal conditions of the ice. To improve the bandwidth of the system, a bow-tie antenna modified with parasitic elements has been developed for use with an airborne ice-penetrating and imaging radar. A controlled measurement study took place to examine and minimize the effects of antenna integration with these metallic objects providing valuable information on improving antenna integration when external aircraft mounting is required.