Development of a structurally integrated conformal load-bearing multifunction antenna: overview of the Air Force Smart Skin Structures Technology Demonstration Program

Allen J. Lockyer; Kevin H. Alt; Robert W. Kinslow; Han-Pin Kan; Jayanth N. Kudva; James Tuss; Allan C. Goetz

doi:10.1117/12.240429

20 May 1996 Development of a structurally integrated conformal load-bearing multifunction antenna: overview of the Air Force Smart Skin Structures Technology Demonstration Program

Allen J. Lockyer, Kevin H. Alt, Robert W. Kinslow, Han-Pin Kan, Jayanth N. Kudva, James Tuss, Allan C. Goetz

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2722, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Electronics and MEMS; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240429
Event: 1996 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1996, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Structures Division of the Air Force's Wright Laboratory is sponsoring the development and demonstration of a new high pay-off technology termed CLAS--Conformal Load Bearing Antenna Structures. Northrop Grumman Corporation and TRW/ASD are developing the technology under the `Smart-Skin Structure Technology Demonstration (S³D)' program, contract, No. F33615-93-C-3200. The program goal is to design, develop, fabricate, and test a CLAS component and lay the foundation for future work where potential benefits from structurally integrated antennas may be realized. Key issues will focus but are not limited to the design, structures, and manufacturing aspects of antenna embedment into load bearing aircraft structures. Results from Phase I of the program have been previously reported, where initial pay-offs in reducing overall airframe acquisition and support cost, weight, signature, and drag were quantitatively and qualitatively identified. A full-sized CLAS component, featuring a broadband multi-arm spiral embedded in sandwich stiffened structure, will be fabricated and tested for static strength, durability, and damage tolerance. Basic electrical performance, (e.g. radiation patterns, gain, and impedance) will also be verified; however, extensive electrical validation will be the subject of further work. Key aspects of the work and progress to date are detailed below.

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Allen J. Lockyer, Kevin H. Alt, Robert W. Kinslow, Han-Pin Kan, Jayanth N. Kudva, James Tuss, and Allan C. Goetz "Development of a structurally integrated conformal load-bearing multifunction antenna: overview of the Air Force Smart Skin Structures Technology Demonstration Program", Proc. SPIE 2722, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Electronics and MEMS, (20 May 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240429

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