Recently, conformal antennas have become a hot topic, especially in the fields of military communication and radar technology. The main feature of conformal antenna technology is that it can maintain consistency with the shape of the carrier (such as aircraft, missiles, satellites, etc.) without compromising the aerodynamic performance of the carrier. The design of this antenna allows it to effectively expand the detection range and distance of the radar, covering areas that were previously undetectable. For example, conformal antennas can provide 360 degree detection capability for combat aircraft.
The development of conformal antenna technology can be traced back to the 1930s, but it was not until the 1980s, with the rapid development of microelectronics technology, that the practical application of conformal array antennas became possible. Nowadays, conformal phased array antennas have been widely used in various radar systems, including ground, shipborne, and airborne detection radars, covering many fields such as electronic warfare and communication.
The main advantages of conformal antennas include maintaining the aerodynamic layout and stealth characteristics of weapon platforms, increasing antenna aperture and seeker power, and adapting to platforms of different sizes, from transport planes to fighter jets. In addition, the design complexity of conformal antennas requires consideration of the shape of the array, the form of the elements, and their interactions in the early stages, which poses challenges for antenna performance analysis.
China, the United States, Europe, and Japan have all conducted extensive research and development in conformal antenna technology. For example, China Aviation Industry Corporation has developed the first helicopter conformal antenna and showcased the CS/RB1 radar with a cylindrical conformal design at the Zhuhai Air Show. The US Navy and Air Force have been researching conformal phased array antennas suitable for aircraft since the 1970s, while Japanese research teams are dedicated to developing flexible conformal array antennas, solving many technical problems faced by traditional conformal antennas
