Development of a conformal load-carrying smart skin antenna for military aircraft

A multifunction structurally embedded antenna panel installation concept is presented which offers a near term solution to the increasing antenna proliferation problem of high technology aircraft. The concept has evolved from the Air Force sponsored program 'Smart Skin Structures Demonstration Program', recently awarded to Northrop Grumman, and is consistent with the Forecast II smart skin initiatives of the early 1990s. Key results from the concept evaluation phase of the program are described in terms of avionics integration and requirements, structural design considerations, and preliminary payoff assessment.