A planar antenna array with integrated feed network for UAV applications

A 12-element planar antenna array with patch elements operating at 2.47 GHz along with its integrated feed network is presented. The array has beam steering capabilities via the use of digitally controlled radio frequency (RF) phase shifters. The array and its feed network were fabricated on a 3-layer PCB of RO4350 material with total dimensions of 458.8×161×1.27 mm
³
. To total array weight was 229 gm. The array covered a minimum bandwidth of 40 MHz. The array is to be integrated within the wing structure of a small to medium size UAV. Simulated and measured results are presented for the array performance metrics.