Frustum-Shaped Conformal Antenna Array for High-Performance A2G Data-Link in Aerial Surveillance Platforms

The data-link systems in aerial surveillance platforms require high-speed, efficient data transfer from multiple sensors to the ground station, necessitating a high-gain, wide-bandwidth antenna for optimal performance and effective multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF). This work proposes a different architecture for the air-to-ground (A2G) data-link antenna subsystem for an airborne surveillance platform. The design features a frustum-shaped conformal circular antenna array with eight elements and switchable beam, providing full 360°azimuth coverage and a well-formed elevation beam, achieved through the judicious choice of frustum angle. The power study highlights the benefits of the proposed system over conventional omnidirectional antennas. The design employs a switch matrix to direct the beam, reducing resource requirements and lowering costs and complexity. Additionally, the architecture offers redundancy under certain failure mode conditions, enhancing reliability. Thus, the proposed system provides an optimal solution for A2G data-link antenna subsystem for a surveillance platform.