Honeycomb Structure-based Superstrate with Low Profile Patch Array for RCS Reduction

Low observable antennas are integral part of stealth platforms. The major challenge in designing low observable antennas is reduction in antenna scattering without any degradation in its radiation performance. Inclusion of superstrate in the antenna structure is one of the possible methods to achieve the same. This paper presents the EM design and analysis of microstrip patch array with honeycomb structure- based superstrate. The main objective is to achieve a significant reduction in the antenna RCS without degrading the antenna gain, return loss and VSWR in the operating frequency range. The proposed model for the patch array with honeycomb structure-based superstrate has been designed in 2-layer (antenna and superstrate) and 3-layer (antenna, superstrate and MA layer) configurations. The 3-layered structure of antenna-superstrate shows significant RCS reduction in entire X-band, with optimum radiation characteristics.