Improved wide-band VHF whip antenna

The design principles, construction, and performance of a ten-foot whip antenna for use with radio communication sets covering the frequency range from 30 to 76 MHz are described. The antenna is insensitive to changes in environment, with respect to electrical performance. It has uniform azimuthal distribution of radiation, optimum gain at the horizon, and is suited as an element of antenna arrays. Some of the design features which provide advantages in these respects over conventional vertical antennas, are: Control of the current distribution by means of a variable reactor between the base of the radiator and "ground", judicious choice of antenna length and feed-point position, and internal broadband matching.