Assessment of Sochacki lenses for autonomous maritime patrol FLAR

Abstract

Initial numerical and experimental results are given for minimal layer lens antennas for Forward Looking Airborne Radar as the primary sensor onboard small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles adapted for fully autonomous long distance maritime patrol. 27dBi was achieved by a single material lens that is dimensionally compatible with the fuselage of a 6-meter class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Numerical results for 2 and 3 layer lenses up to 38dBi directivity were given, been comparable to the reflector antennas presently used in P-3C and P-8A manned maritime patrol aircraft.