A system and method for a multi-panel multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a plurality of AESA panels fixed (at variable azimuth/elevation about the aircraft) into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the and individual AESA are designated for use and the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the designated AESA, subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple simultaneous function of the suite of AESA panels.

A system and method for a multi-beam multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a single AESA fixed panel into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple function of a cost effective single AESA panel.

A sensor system and method of reducing plasma-induced communication inhibition for a main antenna includes using auxiliary antennas for detecting a density of plasma that affects operation of the main antenna, and re-orienting an electromagnetic field around the main antenna in response to the density detected to reduce effect of the plasma on the main antenna. The auxiliary antennas are also operable for data link communication and switchable such if the density of the plasma inhibits receipt or sending of signals by one of the auxiliary antennas, another one of the auxiliary antennas may be used for data link communication.

Antenna integrated into a compact conical nosecone.

A compact munition antenna system that includes a curvilinear transmit antenna on a top and bottom of a ring-shaped substrate, and a curvilinear receive antenna on the top and bottom of the substrate. The transmit antenna and receive antenna are positioned opposite one another on the substrate, and are separated by a pair of isolation barriers to reduce coupling of the two antennas. The munition antenna system may be mounted on a metal cylindrical portion of a guidance system in a nose section of the munition, using a vertical convex surface of the cylindrical portion and a horizontal surface of the munition as a reflector for improving antenna performance.

A system and method for ESA quadrant mechanical reconfiguration functions to shift some of the complexity from algorithmic manipulation of received radar data to mechanical transformation of a simple panel structure to achieve desired performance in a desired ESA boresight. The system receives a rotation trigger based on an external event such as altitude and mission and causes two or more simple ESA panels to rotate from a first azimuthal position to a second common azimuthal position without stopping at an intermediate azimuth. Once positioned, each individual rotational ESA panel is combined to function as a single aggregate ESA enabling desired performance in field of view, resolution, and range along a common boresight.

A precision guided munition (PGM) system is disclosed. The PGM system comprises a body including a nose portion. The nose portion includes an aperture. A window is attached, secured, or adhered to the body at the nose portion. One or more antenna substrates is attached, secured, or adhered to the window. A plurality of radiating elements is attached, secured, or adhered to the one or more antenna substrates. An image sensor configured to capture an image in front of the body. The image sensor is behind the aperture and is configured to focus at an infinity focus in front of the body. The one or more antenna substrates include unpopulated areas configured to let photons pass through the antenna substrates from the window to the image sensor. The photons are parallel or collimated and the captured image does not include features of the antenna substrates.

An aerial vehicle includes a body and an antenna assembly mounted to the body. The antenna assembly includes a fairing component comprising a hollow body, a conductive coating formed on at least an inner surface of the fairing component, a plurality of antenna elements formed in the conductive coating, each antenna element including a first slot line defining a first transmission line and a second slot line defining a second transmission line, an insulator sleeve disposed within the fairing component, wherein an outer surface of the insulator sleeve at least substantially matches an inner surface of the fairing component, and a plurality of cable assemblies operably coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, wherein each cable assembly is coupled to a respective antenna element.

An attachment housing is for fastening to an exterior side of an aircraft. The attachment housing has a functional compartment. The functional compartment is divided in two, and has a ventilation compartment and a protective compartment. A surrounding wall is configured to separate the ventilation compartment from an environment. The surrounding wall has at least one ventilation opening for air exchange between the ventilation compartment and the environment. A dividing wall is arranged between the ventilation compartment and the protective compartment. The dividing wall has at least one passage opening for air exchange between the ventilation compartment and the protective compartment. The passage opening is configured to counter act a penetration of water, moisture, or particles into the protective compartment.

An antenna device is presented. The antenna device comprises: a conformal antenna body which has a desired geometry corresponding to a front portion of a platform on which the antenna device is to be mounted, and an antenna unit carried by the antenna body. The antenna unit comprises at least one phased array of antenna elements. The antenna elements of each array are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship in a closed loop path along a circumference of the antenna body having a desired geometry corresponding to a front portion of platform on which the antenna unit is to be mounted. Each of the antenna elements is configured as an end-fire antenna element capable of emitting linearly polarized radiation, the array of the antenna elements being thereby operable as a forward looking end-fire antenna array, enabling electronic steering of an antenna beam by controllably modifying phases of the antenna elements of each array.