Bifilar Helix GNSS Antenna for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications

A wideband Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) bifilar helix antenna for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications is presented here. The antenna is designed to fit inside the vertical stabilizer of the Dakota UAV. The antenna is fabricated using a novel direct write thermal spray technology. A feeding network insert is designed incorporating a hybrid providing a balanced 200- Ω output to the antenna.