volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

Conformal low profile antenna array has been widely used towards reduced radar cross section and good radiation characteristics. Being conformal, it has a number of advantages over planar antenna structure. This paper presents the radiation and scattering characteristics of a planar and conformal patch array with conventional and hybrid HIS-based ground plane on a low loss dielectric substrate. The use of a hybrid HIS layer instead of conventional metallic ground plane contributes to achieving wideband RCS reduction over 8 GHz-50 GHz, without degrading the radiation performance in terms of antenna gain, return loss and VSWR. The measurement results of the fabricated antennas are found in good agreement with the simulated ones. The radiation mode RCS of the conformal patch array has been analytically estimated and shown to be controlled in the operating frequency range. Such a low profile low RCS antenna array can be used as a subarray of phased arrays in fire control radars.

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Dr. Avinash Singh

Dr. Hema Singh