84 Since before this publication started printing there has been a strong tendency throughout the uncrewed systems world for vehicle designers and manufacturers to model, prototype and optimise their new-generation vehicles from concept to showcase demonstrations without considering antenna type or integration very closely, if at all. Despite manufacturers globally willing for this to change, uncrewed system manufacturers can still underestimate how sensitive antenna performance is to hull configurations and materials, vehicle dynamics, onboard power, and countless parameters of the mission and environment to be tackled by the vehicle in operation (including the mounting risk of jamming, spoofing or even simple congestion of data links whether within or far from a warzone). Given all the little details that can play havoc with an uncrewed vehicle’s mission-critical data links – including its C2 connection, its GNSS fix or live camera feed – it should come as little surprise that uncrewed systems engineers consistently increase their comms and mission success rate, and shorten their product’s time to market when specifying that the antenna is front of mind in vehicle design, for there is much to specify in every antenna. Regardless of whether one is integrating a monopole, dipole, helical, patch or sector antenna, most antennas in the uncrewed vehicle space tend to consist of a few core parts. Starting at the top or outermost parts of the antenna, one arguably finds the most important part: the active or driven element. This connects with a radio or GNSS receiver and interacts Today, the mission-critical antenna is front of mind when building an uncrewed vehicle, Rory Jackson reports Aerial manoeuvres June/July 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Antenna manufacturers are rapidly optimising element designs, filtering systems, housings and more to create the perfect antenna for every mission and vehicle (Image courtesy of Calian)
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