Dual-feed system for a multifunction, conformal, loadearing structure excitation antenna

Abstract

A multifunction antenna feed structure (,) that acts as a feed for a multibandwidth antenna system (,) used in connection with a modern tactical aircraft. The feed structure (,) includes a first feed (,) and a second feed (,) electrically connected to first and second feed points on an antenna element (,) at a location where the first feed (,) is impedance matched to the VHF/FM and UHF frequency bands and the second feed (,) is impedance matched to the VHF/AM frequency band. The first and second feeds (,) are positioned within a flared notch (,) between the antenna element (,) and a conductive aircraft structural component (,). The feeds (,) can take on different geometrical configurations, such as cylindrical feeds, cone feeds or taper feeds. The feeds are (,) electrically isolated from conductive aircraft component (,) and are electrically connected to a matching network (,). The matching network (,) includes a first electrical circuit (,) connected to one of the feeds (,) and a second circuit (,) electrically connected to the other feed (,). The first circuit (,) impedance matches the signal from the antenna element (,) to a transceiver circuit (,) at the VHF/FM and UHF bands, and a second circuit (,) impedance matches the second feed (,) to the transceiver circuit (,) at the VHF/AM band.