A 2.5-18 GHz 3D Printed Conformal Large-Scale Array

We previously reported a 3D printed ultra-wide band (UWB) Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Array (BAVA) with 104 linearly polarized antennas on a hemisphere. In this work, we explore how this concept can be applied to a tactically sized array conformal to a relevant platform. Preliminary measurements of a 732 linearly polarized prototype portray element level gain and impedance consistent with an infinite planar array. We are in process of fabricating a larger demonstrator array to answer many practical questions related to UWB conformal array manufacturing and beamforming.