McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company Apache Telemetry Antenna Analysis

Abstract

The analysis of the AH-64 Apache helicopter telemetry antenna was performed to improve the present telemetry antenna patterns. This telemetry antenna was used by the Mesa, Arizona, branch of McDonnell Douglas helicopter division to transmit real-time data gathered during test flights to a Fixed Base Data System developed by the University of New Mexico's Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) in 1988. This analysis was necessary due to the high data dropout encountered when the helicopter was performing maneuvers on the test range, a potentially dangerous situation. Since the telemetry antenna patterns had never been studied, the PSL was awarded a contract to conduct a study of the telemetry antenna and suggest ways to improve the performance of the present telemetry system. Extensive use of software developed by Ohio State University for the analysis of antennas on aircraft was applied to finding a solution to the problems encountered with the present system. This included analysis of several different configurations of antennas and antenna placement. The result of this analysis was to present McDonnell Douglas with a recommendation of telemetry antenna and telemetry antenna placement that would satisfy the requirements of the current test system in use. This represents a three-month effort by the PSL utilizing advanced antenna analysis techniques.