A sparse conformal retrodirective array for UAV application

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are highly mobile units that can be employed as safe and efficient communication relays for various surveillance, reconnaissance, and other tactical missions. However due to their small size, these platforms are extremely payload and power limited and demand system features such as being extremely lightweight and capable of real-time beamforming. Retrodirective arrays can automatically create and maintain high gain communication links with a target without any complex beamforming hardware or processing. This paper develops and presents a conformal sparse retrodirective array. The sparse design combined with the beneficial beamforming properties of a retrodirective array alleviates the amount of circuitry required, leading to a more efficient system and a promising candidate for UAV applications. Measured monostatic and bistatic patterns demonstrate proper operation of the proposed system.