Deployable antenna bay

Abstract

A deployable crossed log periodic dipole array is made up of a plurality of bays spaced along a feed transmission line arrangement. Each bay includes a support centered on the array axis. Each bay also includes as antenna elements four long, straight, flat or slightly bowed springs or spring-like tape elements, each fastened at one end to a transmission line conductor. A retainer associated with each bay is rotatable about the cylindrical support and engages the spring elements, so that rotation of the retainer winds the spring elements against the spring resistance and stores energy therein. A locking arrangement simultaneously engages or disengages all the retainers. Simultaneous unlocking of the retainers allows the springs of all the bays to rotate the retainers and to unwind. As the springs unwind, they deploy. The transmission line arrangement includes two open two-wire transmission lines on a common axis. To reduce torques during deployment, each bay contrarotates relative to an adjacent bay. The locking arrangement is a longitudinal rod with projecting pins which can simultaneously engage the support structure and the rotatable retainer. The rod is actuated by a cam in a hinge.