Finite-difference time-domain analysis of HF antennas on helicopter airframes

In this paper, the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with the Berenger perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition (ABC) is used to model the radiation characteristics of high frequency (HF) antennas operating in the 230 MHz range on a full-scale helicopter. The computed input impedance of both antennas is compared with actual measurements from an operational full-scale helicopter and also with measurements on a scale model NASA generic advanced attack helicopter (GAAH). To study the coupling effects of the helicopter fuselage on the antenna systems, the S-parameters are computed and compared with measurements on the NASA GAAH scale model, Finally, computed gain patterns are compared with actual in-flight measurements of the antenna systems on an operational full-scale helicopter.