Antenna radiation pattern measurement using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

The in-situ radiation pattern measurement of low frequency antennas on complex platforms is a challenging job due to the large antenna sizes and large distances for far field requirements. In order to propose a solution for this problem, an attempt is made by using an unmanned aerial vehicle for the radiation pattern measurement. A radio controlled (R/C) model aircraft equipped with an autopilot system is used for the concept demonstration. A log-periodic antenna is used as the antenna under test and the azimuthal radiation pattern of the antenna is measured. The quite good agreement of the measured pattern with that of the simulated pattern promises that the UAV may be used for antenna radiation pattern measurement.