Miniaturized GPS Antenna Array and Test Results

NAVSYS has developed a miniaturized GPS antenna array technology that reduces the size of the antenna elements and the array dimensions. This technology enables GPS controlled reception pattern antenna arrays (CRPAs) with anti-jamming capability to be installed on vehicles where their size has previously prohibited their use. This includes aircraft where size and weight constraints resulted in fixed reception pattern antenna (FRPA) installations instead of CRPAs and munitions where space and surface area are at a premium. In this paper, the design of the antenna array is presented and test data collected in an instrumented anechoic chamber with the antenna array installed in a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail-kit is included. Test results are also presented from the antenna array installed on an aircraft and integrated with a digital beam-steering antenna electronics package. Commercial aspects of this technology for aircraft navigation and interference rejection will also be presented. The original document contains color images.