The Boeing Company
Pneumatically Driven Steerable Antenna Array

Abstract:

Methods and systems for a steerable antenna array are disclosed. The antenna array includes an array of antenna elements aligned in rows and columns on a substrate. Additionally, the antenna array includes a microstrip feed within the substrate, where the feed is configured to electromagnetically couple to each antenna element of the array of antenna elements. The antenna array further includes a ground plane within the substrate. Additionally, for each antenna element, the antenna array includes a first cavity disposed between the ground plane and feed, and a second cavity disposed on the other side of the ground plane from the first cavity. The antenna array further includes a plurality of fluid lines configured to selectively add or remove fluid from the cavities coupled to the fluid line and cause a deflection of the ground plane in a region of the cavities coupled to the fluid line.