PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The scope of the project was to identify and deeply investigate an innovative Tx/Rx antenna solution able to provide entertainment services in Ku-band in an aeronautical mobile environment. The main requirement was to avoid any mechanical movement in the beam scanning and in the polarization alignment so a completely electronic scanning was required. Dual polarization was required, both circular and linear. Moreover, to minimize the impact of the antenna on the aircraft, a single Tx/Rx antenna has been preferred. The identified solution was a conformal hemispherical array, depicted in the reported figure.
Challenges
It has been proved that it is always possible to identify the correct phase and amplitude setting of the active modules which allow to achieve at least 25dB of XPD.
The electrical performances of the antenna, calculated considering the measurements performed on the antenna demonstrator, are 43dBW of EIRP and 8dB/K of G/T in the most part of the operative band and in almost the entire hemisphere.
The thermo-mechanical analyses showed that the antenna concept is a feasible solution presenting good stiffness and strength and no particular criticalities from the thermo-mechanical point of view.
Plan
After a detailed scenario study, a deep review of the regulatory aspects has been assessed also considering the accommodation of the antenna on the aircraft.
A first issue of antenna requirements has been identified for the trade-off among different antenna architectures considered. The preferred antenna architecture, i.e. the hemispherical antenna array, has been designed in deeper and deeper details during the project.
A demonstrator has been designed, manufactured and tested to prove the feasibility of the solution and the achievable performances. Considering the results of the measurement activity, a final review of the antenna performances has been carried out.
Current Status
The project is at its finale stage, having already performed the Final Review Meeting.
