Antenna Pattern Reconstitution using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

This paper presents a methodology to measure actual in-situ antenna radiation patterns for diagnosis and comparison to the intended design. This specific antenna reconstitution solution uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with integrated antenna and receiver. Measurements are taken in the far-field of existing high-powered broadcast systems in order to retrieve the horizontal radiation pattern (HRP), vertical radiation pattern (VRP) and the absolute effective radiated power (ERP) for each service under measurement. Results show greater accuracy, timeliness and cost efficiency compared to traditional measurement techniques (i.e. land-based or manned aircraft based surveys) due to advances in positional accuracy, receiver resolutions and portability. Discrepancies between measured and theoretical patterns outline the potential for installation or manufacturer errors (e.g. incorrect feeder phasing). Use of this solution will enable government regulators, telecommunication network operators, broadcast integrators, infrastructure owners and defense communication/radar operators to verify and troubleshoot their antenna systems. Correcting any errors in operation allows for improved service reception, increased signal coverage and improved data reliability.