China shrinks jet antenna to 0.047 times wavelength to boost fighter’s stealth power – Interesting Engineering

With an impressive low profile of just 0.047 times the low-frequency wavelength, the prototype presents an efficient radiation pattern, achieved simultaneously together with a 12:1 impedance bandwidth.a day agoa day agoa day agoa day agoa day ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago2 days ago3 days ago16 minutes ago19 minutes ago39 minutes ago3 hours ago3 hours ago3 hours ago4 hours ago4 hours ago5 hours ago5 hours agoSrishti GuptaRepresentative image of a Chinese stealth fighter jet.Wikimedia CommonsThe evolution of military aircraft design has increasingly emphasized stealth and aerodynamic efficiency, pushing engineers to develop low-profile antennas that integrate seamlessly with an aircraft’s structure. Traditional antennas, with their protruding forms, create unwanted radar signatures and disrupt airflow, posing significant challenges for stealth technology. However, a breakthrough study from researchers at the Southwest China Institute of Electronic Technology and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) introduces an innovative ultra-wideband omnidirectional circular ring antenna, which may redefine how communication and navigation systems are embedded into modern aircraft.Stealth aircraft require antennas that minimize radar detectability while maintaining robust communication capabilities. Early attempts at reducing antenna size produced compact 5-millimeter designs, but these were limited to narrow frequency ranges of 2.3 to 2.5 GHz. Expanding frequency coverage required increasing antenna height—up to 0.39 times the low-frequency wavelength—which presented a trade-off between stealth and performance.A team led by Associate Professor Feng Yang has overcome obstacles that were set by weak tracers that are height adjustable and low-frequency range with the help of adopting a design that is low scale and has extended frequency range.With an impressive low profile of just 0.047 times the low-frequency wavelength, the prototype presents an efficient radiation pattern, achieved simultaneously together with a 12:1 impedance bandwidth. This enables superior aerodynamic integration while ensuring operational effectiveness is not compromised.The research team constructed a circular configuration composed of two closely spaced dipole antennas to achieve uniform electrical characteristics across a broad spectrum. To further increase the electrical length without increasing the physical dimensions of the antenna, the team extended the current path.Other improvements, like the E-plane power divider, enable better distribution of energy throughout the system. To improve signal transmission, a short-circuit wall was also added to minimize impedance mismatches and current losses. A resistive frequency-selective surface was placed between the antenna and the grounding metal, absorbing over 30% of undesirable ground reflections. This feature performs remarkably at elevated frequency levels where traditional designs tend to fail. These modifications improve omnidirectional signal reception, which is critical for military aircraft engaged in active combat scenarios.The integration of high gain frequency and vertical polarization increases performance and makes the antenna effective for airborne navigation and secure military communication.Considering the unique shape and structure of the aircraft, it advanced stealth capabilities, all while facilitating the effective transmission of data in real-time. These findings could foster the next generation of military aircraft that are stealthier and more efficient with a greater operational range.As aerial warfare continues to evolve, the integration of advanced, stealth-compatible communication systems will be essential. The breakthroughs presented in this study not only solve a long-standing engineering challenge but also pave the way for more sophisticated, radar-invisible aircraft capable of secure, high-performance communication in contested environments.The research has been published in Journal of Electronic Science and Technology.Srishti Gupta Srishti studied English literature at the University of Delhi and has since then realized it’s not her cup of tea. She has been an editor in every space and content type imaginable, from children’s books to journal articles. She enjoys popular culture, reading contemporary fiction and nonfiction, crafts, and spending time with her cats. With a keen interest in science, Srishti is particularly drawn to beats covering medicine, sustainability, gene studies, and anything biology-related.Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy21 hours agoa day agoa day agoa day agoPremiumIE PROFollow

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-shrinks-jet-antenna-stealth-power