Modeling and Simulation of a Helicopter-Mounted SATCOM Antenna Array

A seven-element helicopter-mounted microstrip-patch switched-beam antenna array for satellite communications (SATCOM) is described. The performance of the array antenna was simulated. A prototype was constructed, and measurements of the antenna's patterns were made. The effects of the blades of the helicopter on the patterns of the antenna were investigated. Fluctuations of 10 dB or more in magnitude due to the effects of the blades were observed in the patterns.