Lockheed Martin Corporation
Ruggedized antennas and systems and methods thereof

Abstract:

An antenna includes at least one antenna element mounted on a substrate and extending normally thereto. The at least one antenna element is constructed from a plurality of antenna components, one of which is an upper antenna component that is furthest from the substrate. A support material surrounds the at least one antenna element and is disposed between the antenna components. A material layer is disposed on the upper antenna component and the support material. Heating elements may be interposed between the upper antenna component and the material layer, and an additional material layer, such as an ablative layer, may be disposed on the material layer.