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EXPERIMENT 6
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12.1 Experiment Outcomes
The students will demonstrate;
An ability to identify and explain avionics and antennas on the aircraft
(Course outcome# 2,3 and 8)
An ability to approach a fixed-wing aircraft (Course outcome# 10 and 12)
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team with a positive and
responsible attitude toward safety (Course outcome# 13)
An ability to describe the aircraft antennas' type and location in written and
oral format effectively (Course outcome#13)

12.2 Antennas
An antenna is a conductor or a set of conductors used either to radiate electromagnetic
energy into space or to collect this energy from the space. Electrical energy from the
transmitter is converted into electromagnetic energy by the antenna and radiated into
space. On the receiving end, electromagnetic energy is converted into electrical
energy by the antenna and is fed into the receiver.
Fortunately, separate antennas are seldom required for both transmitting and receiving
rf energy. Any antenna can transfer energy from space to its input receiver with the
same efficiency that it transfers energy from the transmitter into space. Of course, this
is assuming that the same frequency is used in both cases.

12.3 Types of Aircraft Antennas
The essential requirement for aircraft antennas is the minimal wind resistance such as
streamlined (fins) or suppressed (slots) structures. Figure 12.1 indicates various
antennas on a typical commercial aircraft.














Figure 12.1 Antennas on an aircraft

Basic types of aircraft antennas are described below.

a. Hertzian (Dipole) antenna
A radiating antenna or conductor is most efficient when its length is equal to half a
wavelength. This type of antenna is known as a Hertz. Hertzian antenna is used in
avionic systems such as VOR, Localizer, glide slope.
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b. Marconi (unipole) antenna
A close relative to a dipole antenna is unipole antenna. As it has mentioned in the
previous section, a 1/2 wavelength antenna is the shortest antenna that can be used in
free space. If we cut a half-wave antenna in half and then ground one end, a grounded
quarter-wave (Marconi) antenna will be obtained. Marconi antenna may be used in
avionic systems such as VHF/HF/UHF communication system, DME, transponder,
marker beacon, etc (Figure 12.2.a).

c. Capacitive antenna
For frequencies within the range of 10-100 KHz the wavelength is above 5000 meter.
Thus the maximum dimension of even a large aircraft is only a small fraction of a
wavelength. At these frequencies, capacitive type antennas may be used.One plate of
the capacitor is the airframe itself. The other plate may be a horizontal tube, vertical
blade or a solid plate. A strong oscillating electric field is formed between the plates
and this field causes a current to flow in cable connected across the antenna. Although
ADF receives signal in the band above those mentioned in here, one of its antenna
utilizes this principle.

d. Loop antenna
An alternative to the capacitive antenna is the loop antenna. It is basically a loop of
wire which cuts magnetic field (H field) component of the e.m wave. Use of two
loops mounted at right angles provides a means of determining the direction of arrival
of an e.m wave. Such antennas are used for ADF.

e. Horn antenna
At frequencies above 3000 MHz, the properties of waveguides are used to form an
antenna. A waveguide is a hollow metal tube, usually of rectangular cross-section,
along which an e.m wave can propagate. If the end of wave guide is left open some
energy will be radiated (Figure 12.2.b).

d. Slot antenna
It is a waveguide with the slots on the wall of the tube. The slots interrupt the current
flow and act as radiators. The radiated energy from these slots can be combined to
form a directional beam. Such antennas may be used for radar.











(a) (b)

Figure 12.2 (a) Marconi antenna; (b) Horn antenna
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12.4 Selecting an Antenna
Antenna catalogs include engineering terms such as isotropic radiator, VSWR,
impedance and more. It is not difficult, however, to choose the right antenna for the
job. To choose the right antenna, first you should consider the type of the aircraft.
Catalogs often divide them into such categories as general aviation, commercial
(business jets), air transport (airline) and military. These categories are then divided
into type of services: Communication, navigation, transponder, DME and others. In
the example shown here, we are seeking a communication antenna for a general
aviation aircraft. Table 12.1 indicates an antenna spec sheet. Explanations of some
important antenna terms are given below






































Table 12.1 VHF antenna spec sheet

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Frequency: The aviation COM band extends from 118 to 137 MHz. The band is also
called "VHF" or "VHF com".
VSWR: It means Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. VSWR indicates the efficiency of the
antenna. The lower the first number (2.5), the higher the efficiency. Manufacturers
produce antennas with a VSWR usually less than 3.0:1.
Polarization: VHF com antennas operate with "vertical polarization" which helps to
concentrate signals towards horizon, rather than angling up to space.
Radiation pattern: "Omnidirectional" sends signals in every direction, a requirement
because the ground station may be anywhere.
Impedance: The AC electrical load of the antenna.50 ohms is standard in aviation.
The cable feeding the antenna is also 50 ohms, which produce correct match to the
antenna.
Power: The amount of radio frequency power that can be handled by the antenna. A
transmitter for an airliner or business jet may run 25 watts.
Connector: Many antenna connectors are the "BNC" bayonet type, but be sure the
coaxial cable is also fitted with a BNC connector.
Altitude: Rated to 50,000 feet, this antenna can operate at altitudes more than the
altitudes flown by a general aviation aircraft.
Airspeed: The antenna can operate at 250 knots which is the average speed for
general aviation aircraft. If a "blade" design antenna is used the speed limit will be
higher, because blade design is stronger than narrow whips or rods. Any requirement
above 600 knots would be for military, or aircraft flying at supersonic speeds.
Certification: These ratings mean that the antenna will meet environmental and
performance standards for this application. An antenna with a "TSO" (Technical
Standard Order) assures that the antenna was tested to the limit of its specifications.
The TSO is not a legal requirement for many installations, but antenna makers obtain
this certification as a mark of quality. Business and airline operators usually require it.


12.5 Potential Hazardous Areas and Safety Precautions When
Working in and around the Aircraft

Always use walk-ways which are clearly defined by external markings when
you are on the aircraft.
Be aware of low structures, sharp surfaces and loose articles.
Do not tread on the stakes adjacent to the air intakes.
Do not step/push restricted areas on the aircraft.

12.6 Experimental Procedure

(a) Fill out the Table 12.2 regarding the antennas that you have seen on pictures.
(b) List the avionics in the avionics pictures.
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12.7 Review Questions
a. What is the difference between TACAN and VOR/DME?
b. Which of the avionic systems on the aircraft have either receiver or transmitter, or
both of them? Indicate on Table 12.3.
c. In Figure 12.5 various aircraft antennas are shown. Write the systems which may
use the antenna shown and how it is polarized.
d. Fill out Table 12.4 regarding the operating frequency bands of the avionics systems

12.8 Laboratory Report

Your report should include the followings.

a. Title page
Use standard title page format with the number and title of the experiment

b. Introduction
Describe the purpose of the experiment and summarize functions and types of
aircraft antennas briefly.

c. Results and discussions
Answer questions in section 12.7 and attach Table 12.2.
Answer review questions in section 12.8.

d. Conclusion
Summarize your findings briefly and evaluate the effect of the experiment on
yourself towards achieving the expected outcomes.




















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Figure 12.3 antennas


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[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]


Figure 12.4 avionics
























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AVIONIC SYSTEM TYPE OF ANTENNA LOCATION OF
ANTENNA

VHF COM


TACAN


LOCALIZER


GLIDE SLOPE


MARKER


ADF


IFF (TRANSPONDER)


Table 12.2 Antenna details of avionic systems









AVIONIC SYSTEM TRANSMITTER RECEIVER

VHF COM


VOR


LOCALIZER


GLIDE SLOPE


MARKER


DME


ADF


TRANSPONDER


RADIO ALTIMETER


Table 12.3 Transmitter and receiver in avionic systems

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Avionic system:.. Avionic system:.
Polarization : Polarization :..



Avionic system:..
Polarization :
Figure 12.5 Various aircraft antennas


Table 12.4 Operating frequency bands of avionic systems


AVIONIC SYSTEM OPERATING
FREQUENCY BAND

VHF COM


TACAN


LOCALIZER


GLIDE SLOPE


MARKER


ADF