Aircraft offset reflector antenna concept (left) evaluated using simcenter star-ccm+ (top right) and ansys hfss (bottom right) high-fidelity simulation tools.
Modern airborne platforms often require onboard antenna systems to successfully accomplish their intended missions. Various antenna configurations have been successfully applied to aircraft and are chosen based on operational requirements as well as integration considerations. The addition of antennas to aircraft typically results in degraded aerodynamic and/or electromagnetic performance overall as compared to the performance of the same systems prior to integration. Both electromagnetic and aerodynamic performance of an antenna-equipped aircraft is affected by the geometries of relevant systems (e.g., the shape of current carrying surfaces in the case of antennas and the shape of the vehicle outer mold line (OML) in the case of aerodynamic surfaces.) Consequently, controlled modifications to vehicle surface geometry can be used to induce desired electromagnetic and aerodynamic performance changes.
This research actively explores the trade space of vehicle flight performance and far field antenna performance due to on-mission geometric reconfiguration of a morphing airborne antenna. In particular, a wing-integrated offset reflector antenna concept has been the subject of preliminary investigation; however, other antenna configurations will be studied in upcoming work. By understanding the interplay between electromagnetics, aerodynamics, and structural mechanics, this ongoing effort will develop tools for the analysis and design of morphing aerostructures featuring integrated antennas.
Related Publication: Ward, R. M. and Hartl, D. J. “Exploration of Morphing Wing-Integrated Offset Reflector Antenna Concept for Aerodynamic and Far-Field Electromagnetic Performance.” AIAA SCITECH 2026 Forum. January 2026.
Graduate Student: Mason Ward