Patent ID: 9118118
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. An antenna comprising: a ground plane; and an array of helical antenna elements, each helical antenna element comprising a non-conductive support structure and a conductor helically supported thereby defining respective element axes extending from the ground plane in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, the helical antenna element having a terminal end and having a base end mounted to the ground plane; wherein the non-conductive support structure of at least one helical antenna element comprises a series of support ribs extending substantially radially outward from an internal, hollow, dielectric cylinder, the support ribs comprising a series of substantially parallel longitudinal ribs symmetrically circumscribing the support structure; wherein the conductor of the at least one helical antenna element is disposed about the support ribs to define a substantially piece-wise linear conductive helix, wherein portions of the at least one helical antenna element linearly extend between the support ribs; wherein the non-conductive support structure of the at least one helical antenna element has a plurality of ribs for supporting the conductor of the at least one helical antenna element, and has apertures defined therein between said ribs.