Patent ID: 6407711
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
An antenna apparatus having a signal distribution network, the apparatus comprising:a. a mounting structure having an exterior skin and a recessed channel; b. a plurality of conformal antenna units detachably affixed to the mounting structure at the recessed channel; each conformal antenna unit comprising: (1) an antenna element having a top surface and an opposing base; (2) an antenna electrical connecting means in electrical communication with the antenna element; the antenna electrical connecting means being removably attachable with the signal distribution network; (3) a carrier structure, of minimal thickness, comprising an upper surface and lower surface; the upper surface of the carrier structure being permanently affixed to the base of the antenna element, and the lower surface being detachably affixed to the recessed channel of the mounting structure; c. a fairing for enclosing the recessed channel; the fairing being substantially flush with the exterior skin of the mounting structure; and d. dielectric potting of low loss tangent for encapsulating the conformal antenna units within the fairing; whereby the top surface of each antenna element substantially conforms to the exterior skin of the mounting structure.