Modular antenna array

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the invention, an antenna array comprises a plurality of colinear non-parasitic drivers.
A conductive member serves as a ground plane for the array.
Each antenna driver is coupled to an energy transforming means, such as a receiver or receiver/transmitter combination which together define a non-parasitic assembly.
The antenna members (parasitic and non-parasitic) are electrically spaced in parallel planes with respect to adjacent members and include at least one parasitic director for each antenna element.
The antenna elements are arranged in modules wherein the number of antenna elements in a module (preferably four), defines the length of the module.
The number of antenna elements per module is selected to provide a module size suited for ease of handling and servicing.
The antenna array is configured to be mounted within an aircraft radome.
The radome may be formed as the edge of an aircraft wing and divided into sections consisting of one module each.
The radome or the modular sections may be attached to the wing along one edge thereof by a hinge, thereby permitting pivoting with respect to the wing to allow access for servicing.
The conductive member (ground plane) may be configured with a slot for each antenna non-parasitic assembly, with the antenna driver portion of the assembly extending through the slot to be in position with respect to the parasitic directors.
The slots and the antenna non-parasitic assembly are dimensioned so that the antenna driver can be passed through the slots from a first side of the conductive member to a second side of the conductive member opposite the first side.
This arrangement provides ease of access for servicing the non-parasitic assembly.
According to a second aspect of the invention the antenna array comprises a plurality of radome sections (modules).
Each section is configured as a portion of an exterior surface of an aircraft.
The antenna non-parasitic and parasitic components that make up an antenna element are affixed to an interior surface of each radome section so that the radiation pattern of the antenna array extends away from the aircraft