Compact Direction Finding Array for Tactical Aircraft Radios Through Artificial Neural Networks Estimator

Abstract

In this contribution, a circular array made of wideband loaded monopole antennas is successfully applied to the direction of arrival estimate of tactical aircraft communications. The proposed novel approach, based on an artificial neural network estimator, turns out to be computationally faster and less expensive in terms of computational resources in comparison with other methods already found in literature. The final array configuration is evaluated by a near-field measurement setup and the performances of the neural network estimator are then presented showing excellent wideband behavior and accuracy.