Patent ID: 9735474
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: H01Q

Claim:
1. A deployable antenna array having at least one boresight axis, comprising: a first plurality of first antenna array elements, each said first antenna array element comprising antenna radiator elements and supporting/conditioning circuitry; a second plurality of second antenna array elements separate from first plurality of first antenna array elements, each said second antenna array element being configured as a ground plane for, and being associated with, at least one respective said first antenna array element, said second antenna array elements being devoid of any electrical feedlines, electronic components, or electrical components that are in electrical communication with any electronic or electrical components of adjacent first antenna array elements; wherein said antenna array is configured for being selectively deployable at least from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein a relative spatial relationship between said first antenna array elements and said second antenna array elements is changed between said stowed configuration and said deployed configuration; wherein said antenna radiator elements and supporting/conditioning circuitry of each said first antenna array element are configured, in operation of the antenna array with said antenna array in said deployed configuration, for at least one of radiating and receiving RF energy in a direction parallel to said at least one boresight axis in cooperation with a respective said ground plane provided by at least one respective said second antenna array element; each said first antenna array element being of general planar construction in the form of a substantially rigid first panel, and each said second antenna array element being of general planar construction in the form of a substantially rigid second panel; and each said panel pivotably mounted to a respective adjacent pair of said first panels, each said second panel having a first lateral end pivotably mounted to one said first panel of said respective adjacent pair of said first panels, and a second lateral end pivotably mounted to the other said first panel of said respective adjacent pair of said first panels.