Structurally integrated antennas for remote sensing

This paper presents the performance of conformal, load-bearing antenna arrays embedded into the wing structure of a conceptual remote sensing joined-wing aircraft. The antenna was analyzed for a wing that was deflected due to typical aerodynamic loads. Some of the basic array theory is discussed, and the technical approach for this research is outlined. Results of this research effort indicate that wing deflections due to typical aerodynamic loads have a significant effect on the pointing accuracy of the main beam of the antenna array, and must be considered in beam steering.