Patent ID: 6097343
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
An aircraft antenna system structurally integrated into a load-bearing structural member of an aircraft, the antenna comprising:an antenna notch formed from non-conductive material and positioned between two adjacent conductive regions of an aircraft structural load-bearing member, wherein the notch and the two adjacent conductive regions are structurally integrated to perform mechanical functions of the load-bearing member, and wherein the notch extends from a narrow region to a flared wider region; andan antenna feed terminating at a feed point located in the narrow region of the notch, to couple transmitted energy into the notch and to couple received energy out of the notch;and wherein the adjacent conductive regions and other conductive regions of the entire aircraft structure function as a radiating and receiving component of the antenna system, which provides an omnidirectional radiation pattern supporting vertically and horizontally polarized communication functions.