Recent results in antenna pattern measurement with UAVs

Abstract

A novel antenna measurement strategy has been developed to characterize both the embedded-element and the array patterns in the real installation conditions at low frequencies (50 MHz - 650 MHz) [1]. It exploits a micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as a far-field test source. The system demonstrated good performance on the copolarization radiation pattern of VHF and UHF antennas. Several results with reference antennas have been published [2, 3]. Further experiments have been performed on the Aperture Array Verification System (AAVS0) array and the Medicina Array Demonstrator (MAD), which also focus on the calibration of a small array and the beam forming. This paper presents two recent experiments performed on a log-periodic antenna at 250 MHz and 350 MHz. Significant results have been achieved for both co- and cross-polarization patterns. Moreover, the symmetry of the test-source pattern has also been demonstrated.