A vehicle includes a vehicle platform, an antenna, and an antenna positioner configured to position the antenna relative to the vehicle platform. An inertial navigation system (INS) is associated with the vehicle platform and configured to generate INS output data. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is associated with the antenna positioner and configured to generate IMU output data having a timing latency difference relative to the INS output data. A controller may be configured to control the antenna positioner based upon the INS output data and the IMU output data adjusted for the timing latency therebetween.

Wireless communication is provided over an extended distance using a line or a series of drones traveling along a transmission path between a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends a data signal to a first drone that is within range of the transmitter. The first drone sends the data signal to an adjacent drone in the line of drones which retransmits the data signal to the next drone in line. The data signal is transmitted between drones until it reaches a final drone within range of the receiver. The final drone transmits the data signal to the receiver. As the drones travel along the transmission path, new drones are launched from a location within range of the transmitter to replace drones that land after transmitting a data signal to the receiver.

An antenna assembly includes a driven element, a first set of antenna elements disposed a first distance from the driven element such that each element of the first set of antenna elements is equidistant from adjacent elements of the first set of antenna elements, and a second set of antenna elements disposed a second distance from the driven element such that each element of the second set of antenna elements is equidistant from adjacent elements of the second set of antenna elements, the second distance being larger than the first distance. The antenna assembly includes or is operably coupled to a selector module configured to select one element of the first set of antenna elements as a selected director, and select one element of the second set of antenna elements as a selected reflector by effectively shortening a length of the selected director and effectively lengthening the selected reflector.

An airfoil system is provided that includes an airfoil and an electric device. The airfoil includes a first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, a first airfoil segment and a second airfoil segment attached to the first airfoil segment. The airfoil extends widthwise between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface. The first airfoil segment forms the first exterior surface. The second airfoil segment forms the second exterior surface. The electric device is embedded within the airfoil between the first airfoil segment and the second airfoil segment.

A vehicle includes a vehicle platform, an antenna, and an antenna positioner configured to position the antenna relative to the vehicle platform. An inertial navigation system (INS) is associated with the vehicle platform and configured to generate INS output data. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is associated with the antenna positioner and configured to generate IMU output data having a timing latency difference relative to the INS output data. A controller may be configured to control the antenna positioner based upon the INS output data and the IMU output data adjusted for the timing latency therebetween.

A method for arranging a set of antennas capable of transmitting or receiving in a radio frequency range in an existing aerodyne implemented either during an initial installation operation, or in a subsequent maintenance or update operation is disclosed. The method includes removing at least one component of a structural element external to the bearing surface of the existing aerodyne, the component being substantially transparent to the radio frequency range; installing the set of antennas in a zone exposed by the removal in the step; fitting an electronic and electrical harness connecting the set of antennas to a radio communications system and to a power supply inside the fuselage; re-forming the external structural element in such a way as to cover the installed set of antennas.

An antenna includes one or more elementary antennas with non-coplanar planar loops extending about a main axis in respective inclined planes. Each elementary antenna is formed by tracks of a structure printed on a circuit support extending in the inclined plane, with two imbricated planar loops tuned on frequencies includes in two respective distinct WiFi frequency bands. With a flexible circuit support, an antenna housing of the drone includes a conformed hollow cavity comprising a plurality of inclined planar faces, which are the counterparts of the inclined planes of the elementary antennas, against which bear these latter after deformation of the flexible support.

A system for bistatic radar target detection employs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a ramjet providing supersonic cruise of the UAV. Deployable antenna arms support a passive radar receiver for bistatic reception of reflected radar pulses. The UAV operates with a UAV flight profile in airspace beyond a radar range limit. The deployable antenna arms have a first retracted position for supersonic cruise and are adapted for deployment to a second extended position acting as an airbrake and providing boresight alignment of the radar receiver. A mothership aircraft has a radar transmitter for transmitting radar pulses and operates with an aircraft flight profile outside the radar range limit. A communications data link operably interconnects the UAV and the tactical mothership aircraft, transmitting data produced by the bistatic reception of reflected radar pulses in the UAV radar antenna to the mothership aircraft.

A radar system to detect and track objects in three dimensions. The radar system including antennae, transmit, receive and processing electronics is all in a small, lightweight, low-cost, highly integrated package. The radar system uses a wide azimuth, narrow elevation radar pattern to detect objects and a Wi-Fi radio to communicate to one or more receiving and display units. One application may include mounting the radar system in an existing radome on an aircraft to detect and avoid objects during ground operations. Objects may include other moving aircraft, ground vehicles, buildings or other structures that may be in the area. The system may transmit information to both pilot and ground crew.

An integrated slot waveguide antenna array for a radar system. The antenna array may include substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) elements, transmit, receive and processing electronics in a lightweight, low-cost, highly integrated package. The combination of antenna layout, specific dimensions of SIW features, including vias, terminal edges and slot placement may allow an efficient transmit and receive radar pattern as well as consistent, reliable and low cost manufacturing.