Peter L Lacombe

US Patent:

6175336, Jan 16, 2001

Filed:

Dec 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/472497

Inventors:

Daniel Patrick Coughlin - Torrance CA
Allen John Lockyer - Huntington Beach CA
Michael David Durham - Ventura CA
Kevin Herman Alt - Huntington Beach CA
Peter Lacombe - Torrance CA
Jayanth Nandalke Kudva - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Keith Alan Olsen - Lakewood CA

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

H01Q 128

US Classification:

343708

Abstract:

A structural endcap antenna for a vertical tail of an aircraft. The endcap antenna comprises an outer skin having an inner surface and an antenna element disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the outer skin. The antenna element is in electrical communication with an RF signal source. Disposed adjacent to the antenna element is an inner support structure electrically bonded thereto. The antenna element and the inner support structure are excited by the RF signal source and provide structural support to the endcap antenna.