A phased-array, conformal antenna and a method for forming same are disclosed. The method comprises forming a substantially planar layered antenna structure by fabricating a printed circuit board (PCB) on a substantially planar first substrate, adhering the PCB to a second substantially planar substrate, the second substantially planar substrate comprising an aerogel, adhering a plurality of antenna elements to the substantially planar second substrate to form the phased-array, adhering a protective layer to the one or more antenna elements, and shaping the substantially planar layered antenna structure to form a substantially curved layered antenna structure.

An antenna assembly includes a first magnetic substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface. One or more antenna elements are disposed on the first surface of the first magnetic substrate. A microstrip feed line is disposed on the second surface of the first magnetic substrate. A second magnetic substrate is secured to the first magnetic substrate. The second magnetic substrate includes one or more cavities aligned with the one or more antenna elements and the microstrip feed line.

An antenna component for an aircraft insert can include a non-conductive body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface can be configured to be hidden from view when installed on the insert. The antenna component can include a surface antenna assembly disposed on the inner surface such that when the non-conductive body is installed on the insert the surface antenna is not visible. The surface antenna assembly can be configured to receive one or more predetermined frequencies. The non-conductive body can be configured to pass at least the one or more predetermined frequencies.

A system of high-frequency (HF) antennas is disposed on various aircraft body panels. The antennas are configured for orthogonal polarization such that NVIS may be operable no matter the state of the ionosphere. The antennas are disposed on substantially perpendicular body panels so that, when operated in concert, the resulting signals have opposite polarization and at least one signal will bounce off the ionosphere.

An antenna system of an unmanned aerial vehicle, the antenna system including a first loop antenna system, a second loop antenna system, and a feed line. The second loop antenna system is spaced apart from the first loop antenna system. The feed line extends between and connects the first loop antenna system and the second loop antenna system.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for an electromagnetic (EM) panel are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed electromagnetic (EM) panel comprises an outer skin, an inner skin, a core disposed between the outer skin and the inner skin, and at least one receiver to receive at least one first signal. In at least one embodiment, at least one receiver is disposed within an opening on the outer skin of the EM panel. At least one receiver is an optical sensor(s) and/or a radio frequency (RF) antenna(s). In one or more embodiments, the EM panel further comprises at least one transmitter to transmit at least one second signal. In at least one embodiment, at least one transmitter is disposed within an opening on the outer skin of the EM panel. At least one transmitter is a laser(s) and/or a RF antenna(s).

Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.

An opening completely arranged in a skin panel of a structural portion of the aircraft is formed in the outer skin of the skin panel, and for each of the skin panels with one of the openings, an associated structural element of an electronic arrangement is separately provided. The structural element is designed and detachably fastened by a frame thereof to the outer skin in the corresponding skin panel on the side of the outer skin opposite the outer surface, such that it seals the corresponding opening such that the skin panel has at least the same pressure-tightness and at least the same strength relative to tension, pressure and shear forces which act in the skin panel in the extension direction of the outer skin as the same skin panel without the corresponding opening.

In examples, systems and methods for a radiating system of an aircraft are described. The aircraft system includes a conformal antenna array having a flexible substrate configured to conform to a curvature of a portion of an aircraft. Additionally, the conformal array has a plurality of antenna elements coupled to a first surface of the flexible substrate, where the plurality of antennas are formed in an array. The aircraft system further includes radio front-end hardware configured to communicate signals to and from the plurality of antenna elements. Moreover, the aircraft system includes a radar processing system coupled to the radio front-end hardware. Yet further, the aircraft system includes a renewable energy source configured to power the radar processing system and the radio front-end hardware.

In examples, systems and methods for a conformal array are described. In one example, an array is described. The array includes a plurality of antenna elements formed in a conformal array. The conformal array is arranged on a non-planar surface. Additionally, the array includes a respective feed for each of at least a subset of the antennas of the plurality of antenna elements. Each feed of the array is coupled to a respective antenna of the plurality of antennas based on a taper profile determined based on the non-planar surface. In another example, a method of determining an antenna array is disclosed. The method includes determining a planar array configuration for a plurality of antennas. The method further includes mapping the planar array configuration to a conformal surface to form a conformal array. Additionally, the method includes determining a taper profile based on the conformal array.