Antenna element design for a conformal antenna array demonstrator

Conformal and structurally integrated antennas will play an increasing role in future airborne applications in various fields of interest such as Communication, Navigation, Electronic Warfare or RADAR. However, these antennas are subject to static deformations and vibrations caused by aerodynamic loads which significantly diminish the antenna's performance. These effects are investigated in the scope of the interdisciplinary NATO Research Task Group SET-131. Within this group a demonstrator for a conformal antenna with active vibration compensation was initiated. In this paper the single element design for the planned demonstrator is discussed.