Army ManTech Program Advances Materials for New Low-Profile Antenna

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A new metaferrite antenna (center) replaces the X-wing antenna (left) and the egg beater antenna (right). (U.S. Army
A new metaferrite antenna (center) replaces the X-wing antenna (left) and the egg beater antenna (right). (U.S. Army

May 29, 2020 | Originally published by U.S. Army on May 18, 2020

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – Army scientists developed a first-of-its kind antenna that could change how ground vehicles and airborne systems communicate, transmit, and receive radio frequency communications.

The Army ManTech program matured a manufacturing process using a special class of engineered materials known as metaferrites to make an ultra-thin wideband antenna. The antenna conforms to curved surfaces, making it ideal to integrate in unmanned aircraft systems, rotary wing aircraft, and ground vehicles.