A platform-aware approach to the design of asymmetric arrays for UAVs based on GA optimization

Abstract

Ground-based and shipborne Communications ESM systems operating in the VHF and UHF bands have been typically based on arrays designed accordingly to regular geometries. Prominent example are Uniform Circular Arrays (UCAs). Unfortunately, UCAs are not easily installable on small or narrow platforms, as it is in the case of UAVs; this is due also to the long wavelengths of the signals in the VHF band that would call for very large array apertures. It is mandatory, in these cases, to resort to irregular geometries, but so far no clear strategy exists, on how to design these types of arrays. Currently the design process is mainly a matter of “Trial and Error” approach, possibly aided by the designer personal experience and "know-how". In this contribution a new design methodology is described, aiming at reducing dramatically the time needed to find an effective solution to the installation problem.