DE10218169A1 - Antenna elements for a missile - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to UHF and VHF range antenna elements for the antennas of a missile with control unit elements, which are integrated into control unit elements (L) consisting of dielectric material and are configured in such a way that they radiate in flight direction in a broadband directed manner. Said control unit elements consist, for instance, of ceramic and the antenna elements are embedded therein or placed on the surface thereof. The antenna elements (A) are preferably self-expanding, Vivaldi type slot antennas which are halved along the symmetrical axis and utilize the missile (F) as an electrical mirror. By arranging the antenna elements in the area of the aileron, the aperture and the spacing of the phase centers of the individuals elements are maximized, wherein the antennas do not require any additional volume.

Description

The invention relates to antenna elements for the UHF and VHF range for broadband antennas radiating in the direction of flight with Tail elements.

For reconnaissance and bearing in the VHF frequency range are currently on Spiral antennas are used because of their relatively compact construction. At deep Frequencies (<1 GHz) and the smallest possible construction volume indicate this however, detect a greatly reduced antenna gain, or are from Ii dimensions are not suitable for integration into the missile.

For missiles with a length dimension in the order of ver wavelength thus occurs within the low frequency ranges (<1 GHz) the problem that directionally radiating antennas due to their aperture requirements no longer within the missile structure assign, or no directional antenna behavior can be achieved.

DE 195 43 321 describes a missile with dielectric wing elements elements integrated antenna elements known for communication purposes. For example, from Funkschau 6, 1998, antennas, part 10, it is also be knows to arrange planar antennas on dielectric ceramic substrates.

However, the resulting planar structures (e.g. patch antennas) have not the directionality necessary for a bearing. In addition, this antenna type used in the two sites mentioned on the for the Application available missiles not so arranged can that radiation in the direction of flight is achieved. The An order in an array - if the required space is available would, - as described in the first-mentioned finding, changes on this Nothing fact, because with a beam deflection more than 60 ° from the surface normal a significant profit reduction occurs.

Another point of the patch elements as unsuitable for the application according to the invention, the required broadband is that with 1:20 with the described antennas cannot be reached. This one In principle, the type of tennis is therefore not suitable for the planned bearing in the direction of flight suitable.  

Antennas with an externally similar structure are also used in the area of Communication technology (e.g. aerodynamically shaped "blade antennas" at Rail vehicles) used. The main difference to these Structures consist in the physical separation of radome and antenna and the fact that these antennas emit omnidirectional.

It is the object of the invention to provide an antenna arrangement in which the antenna elements despite the spatial and mechanical restrictions have the required behavior due to the missile, in particular Blast broadband in the direction of flight.

According to the invention, this is by the in the characterizing part of the achieved characteristics 1 reached.

So the tail of the missile is used to in this area Species structures acting broadly in the direction of flight to integ without disturbing the mechanical functionality of the tail area.

Details of the invention emerge from the subclaims and Description in which an embodiment is discussed with reference to the drawing becomes.

The figure shows a possible embodiment of the "fin Antenna ". It consists of a dielectric tail L into which the antenna structure A with the feed E embedded or on its surface is applied. Due to the low frequencies, this has an effect dielectric only to a small extent on the properties of the antennas elements out. So there is a structural integration of antenna and Ru the before (positive and frictional connection), with further protective measures for the There is no antenna in the form of a radome.

The antenna element A used is based on an expanding one Slot radiator that is halved along its axis of symmetry. The entire missile F included in the antenna concept. This antenna The type is also described in the literature as a Vivaldi element. Is new in In this context, the idea of halving the antenna element and the Missile despite its small dimensions compared to the wavelength to use as an electric mirror.  

Unlike traditional antenna concepts, where the carrier is large in relation to the wavelength and is therefore regarded as a metallic plane the structure of the inventive concept of the missile F part of the antenna.

The new arrangement of the antenna elements A in the area of Ru the L becomes both the aperture and the distance between the phase centers of the Individual elements maximized, but no additional volume for the k tennen is needed. The received signals are evaluated using the classical amplitude or phase monopulse methods are characterized by the proposed arrangement the requirements for the detection channels low rig held. This is an expansion of the frequency range for direction finding and clarification to lower frequencies (currently 100 MFfz) possible. To one Bearing in azimuth and elevation must be possible for all polarizations A total of 4 antenna elements are required, each orthogonal in pairs are polarized. Such an arrangement is in principle already in DE 11 68 513. In contrast, the antenna system according to the Er direction aligned at an angle of 45 °. This alignment is we essential for the intended application, as this is the only way to obtain the required polarisal onsagility, namely linear horizontal and linear vertical polarization as well circular left- and right-handed polarization can be achieved during the bearing can.

In summary, the following advantages result from the structure according to the invention:

• - direction finding and reconnaissance,
• - An expansion of the frequency range for direction finding and reconnaissance lower frequencies (currently 100 MHz),
• A reduction in the volume required by the antennas, a maximum antenna aperture at a maximum distance of Phase centers, and
• - The structural integration of the antenna in the missile (shape and Power circuit).

Claims (5)

1. antenna elements for the UHF and VHF range for antennas of a missile with tail elements, characterized in that the tail elements (L) are made of dielectric material and that the antenna elements (A) are integrated into these tail elements (L) and are designed in such a way, that they emit broadband radiation in the direction of flight. 2. Antenna elements according to claim 1, characterized in that the Tail elements (L) consist of ceramic and that the antenna elements elements (A) are embedded in them. 3. Antenna elements according to claim 1, characterized in that the Tail elements (L) consist of ceramic and that the antenna elements elements (A) are applied to the surface thereof. 4. Antenna elements according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the antenna elements (A) widen Are slot radiators that are halved along their axis of symmetry and use the missile (F) as an electric mirror. 5. Antenna elements according to claim 4, characterized in that on a missile with four tail elements a total of four antennas elements (A) arranged on or in each of a tail element are, which are polarized orthogonally in pairs, the antenna system is aligned at an angle of 45 °.