Harris Corporation

Mark D Vanstrum

Griffin Keith Gothard

Timothy Earl Durham

Anthony Mark Jones

Rodney Sorrell

Timothy L Yost

Robert A Corbit

Henry S Abercrombie

Frederick P Turba

Paul B Halsema

The invention concerns a reflector () of radio frequency (RF) energy. The reflector includes a first web layer () formed from a knit of at least a first conductive filament (), and a second web layer () formed of a knit of at least a second conductive filament (). The first and second web layers can be formed as an open mesh. The second web layer is positioned on the first web layer to form a stack. Fastening members () are disposed at intervals across a surface of each of the first and second web layers. The fastening members are advantageously configured to secure the first web layer to the second web layer. The invention also concerns a reflector antenna formed using the reflector of radio frequency energy. The reflector antenna includes antenna support elements (), and the first and second web layers are secured to the antenna support structure to define a curved three dimensional surface.

Multi-layer highly RF reflective flexible mesh surface and reflector antenna

A multiband phased array antenna includes a substrate, and dipole element arrays extending outwardly from an imaginary center point on the substrate. Each dipole element array includes dipole antenna elements arranged in end-to-end relation and having a dipole size different than a dipole size of dipole antenna elements of at least one other dipole element array. A ground plane is adjacent the dipole element arrays, and a spacing between the dipole element arrays and the ground plane is different between the dipole element arrays having different size dipole antenna elements. The ground plane has a plateau shape for providing the different spacing between the dipole element arrays.

Multiband radially distributed phased array antenna with a stepped ground plane and associated methods

A multiband phased array antenna includes a substrate, and dipole element arrays extending outwardly from an imaginary center point on the substrate. Each dipole element array includes dipole antenna elements arranged in an end-to-end relation and having a dipole size different than a dipole size of dipole antenna elements of at least one other dipole element array. A ground plane is adjacent the dipole element arrays and has a different spacing therefrom in an outward direction from the imaginary center point. The different spacing between the ground plane and the dipole element arrays increases from the imaginary center point towards an edge of the substrate.

Multiband radially distributed phased array antenna with a sloping ground plane and associated methods

A phased array communication system and method has a plurality of phased array antenna structures disbursed throughout an aircraft in a manner to provide substantially spherical antenna coverage around the aircraft. The system includes n-element arrays and transmit/receive modules connected to respective elements forming the array. A beam forming network and antenna interface unit are included. Communication signals are converted between a satellite downlink frequency band and a communications band used by Communication, Navigation and Identification (CNI) components, known to those skilled in the art, for allowing (a) air-to-air crosslink communication; (b) satellite receive communications; and (c) air-to-ground data link communications at a satellite downlink frequency band. A communications transceiver is operatively connected to each antenna interface unit for receiving and transmitting communication signals within a communications band used by communication, navigation and identification (CNI) components to and from the phased array antenna structures.

Phased array communication system providing airborne crosslink and satellite communication receive capability

An antenna is disclosed for use in emitting the signals in times of conflict to overcome jamming. The antenna comprises a reflector having a focal point and a central support shaft extending axially from the reflector on bore through the focal point. First and second selectable, multi-turn axial mode helical antenna elements are disposed on-bore on the central support shaft, spaced linear from each other, and wound to have the same polarity. One of the helical antenna elements is disposed at the focal point, and the other helical antenna element is disposed at a defocused position to broaden a transmit energy beam and area of regard.

Growing community of inventors

Indialantic, FL, United States of America

Mark D Vanstrum