Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna Structure for Australian Defence Force Aircraft

Abstract : Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna Structure (CLAS) replaces separate aircraft structure and antennas such as blades, wires and dishes, with electromagnetic radiators embedded in the structure. This approach reduces weight, drag and signature, and enhances electromagnetic performance, damage resistance and structural efficiency. However the design, manufacture, certification and through-life-support of CLAS are more complex than for its non-integrated counterparts. The first half of this report describes the advantages and limitations of CLAS and the factors to be considered when deciding whether to incorporate CLAS into Australian Defence Force aircraft. The second half of this report describes the state-of-the-art in CLAS technology through a review of the open-source literature. It focuses on United States Air Force CLAS programs where demonstrators for Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (VHF/UHF) and X-band communication applications have been successfully designed, analysed, manufactured and tested. Current programs include demonstrator X-band and UHF radars. CLAS will form part of the load-bearing airframe structure of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. It is predicted that the ongoing completion of demonstrator programs and the performance advantages likely to be realised by operational systems will lead to a gradual acceptance of this technology and an increase in the number of aircraft types containing CLAS in the ten year timeframe.

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