Patent ID: 8614643
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: H01Q,H04B,H04W

Abstract:
1. An antenna array for long distance wireless communication between an airborne platform and a surface base station, the antenna array comprising: a higher-gain beamforming antenna configured to transmit to a base station and receive from the base station, and further configured to form a more directional beam substantially closer to the horizon; and a lower-gain beamforming antenna configured to transmit to a base station and receive from the base station, and further configured to form a less directional beam substantially below the horizon as compared to the more directional beam, wherein the lower-gain beamforming antenna has a gain less than the higher-gain beamforming antenna, wherein the less directional beam has a larger width than the more directional beam, and wherein the less directional beam and the more directional beam may be directed independently.