B-1 FULLY INTEGRATED DATA LINK PROGRAM MEASURES ANTENNA PATTERN AND ISOLATION IN SUPPORT OF USAF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS UPGRADE

摘要

Antenna pattern and isolation measurements for the B-1 Fully Integrated Data Link (FIDL) Program have been completed at the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Antenna Measurements Facility located near the AFRL Rome Research Site (RRS), Rome, NY. This combined satellite and airborne communications upgrade has been performed under the supervision of the B-1 Systems Group, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. One eighth scale antenna patterns were collected on a far field range for new Link-16 antennas, a relocated VHF/UHF2/L-Band antenna and the new Satcom transmit antenna, while on a one eighth scale B-1 model. Antenna to antenna isolation measurements were performed with antennas mounted on a full scale front section of the B-1 airframe. The RF Technology Branch (IFGE) has developed techniques for evaluating the effects of airframe and external stores on the radiation pattern characteristics of antenna systems in a simulated flight environment. Data obtained in this manner is used to evaluate antenna radiation characteristics of antenna/systems without the requirement of an extensive flight test program. Using similar techniques, AFRL has developed procedures whereby precision measurements of isolation between aircraft mounted antennas can be accomplished. This paper will present how the measured data was obtained for the antennas involved in the FIDL upgrade.