Antenna array design for multi-UAVs communication in next generation Flying Ad-Hoc Networks (FANETs)

In this paper, a microstrip patch antenna and its 1×2, 1×4 and 2×4 arrays are proposed for Flying Ad-hoc Network (FANET) communication in multi-UAV systems. The antennas and arrays resonate in the 5GHz band and have been optimized for high bandwidth and gain. The antennas and arrays are proposed and designed using Rogers RT/duroid 5880LZ substrate which is light weight and has specific applications in UAV antennas. The bandwidth achieved by 5880LZ antenna and arrays is 500-530MHz. The efficiency of the single element 5880LZ antenna is 91.7%. The gain and directivity of the 5880LZ antenna has been increased from 9.2dBi to 15.8dBi and 9.6dBi to 17.6dBi respectively by designing 1×2, 1×4 and 2×4 arrays. The antennas are designed using Agilent advance design system - momentum simulator.