Wideband antenna technology in military applications

Wideband antennas are essential for military systems requiring spectrum-agility or multi-functionality. High-gain radar or communication systems require wideband, potentially multi-octave, radiation patterns and VSWR, sometimes with wide angle scanning. Aperture size is constrained by the dimensions of the host platform (e.g. aircraft or naval ship). Low gain mobile communication systems require wideband VSWR but have simpler radiation pattern requirements. Body-worn antennas can be integrated into clothing and are emerging in military communications, with dimensions constrained by those of the human body. Here we describe technologies for two military applications.