Optimized Integration of a VHF Dual-Polarized Probe Antenna for UAV-Based Measurements

Inhalt:
Uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used for antenna measurements in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands. However, integrating probe antennas on UAVs presents significant challenges, including radiation pattern distortion and reduced cross-polarization isolation, which may influence the measurement accuracy. This study addresses these issues by designing a compact, electrically small, dualpolarized probe antenna optimized for VHF operation. The proposed design minimizes UAV payload and extends flight time, making it suitable for in-situ testing. Furthermore, we analyze the causes of pattern distortion using current distribution analysis and introduce a systematic approach to optimize the installed radiation pattern. The method’s effectiveness is demonstrated across various UAV configurations, including tricopters, hexacopters, and octocopters.