<title>Conformal load-bearing antenna structures (CLAS): initiative for multiple military and commercial applications</title>

A MEMS reconfigurable pixel microstrip patch antenna for conformal load bearing antenna structures (CLAS) concept

“…Recently work has been reported in [5] to reconfigure a multiple pixel patch antenna for operation from 4-7 GHz where RF MEMS switches were monolithic to the patch. In this work we focus on a MEMS reconfigured pixelated microstrip patch antenna that can be used in a structural platform under the Conformal Load Bearing Antenna Structure (CLAS) concept [6]- [7]. The CLAS concept, originally introduced for air vehicles allows the antenna and the structure to become one entity thus significantly reducing protrusion and drag.…”

Conformal direct written antenna on structural composites

“…Conformal Load Bearing Antenna Structure (CLAS) [1][2] concepts combine an antenna with its surrounding structural elements into a single device which will radiate efficiently and bear structural loads. CLAS can offer significantly improved weight and drag characteristics over conventional antenna integration schemes.…”

A Broadband High-Gain Bi-Layer LPDA for UHF Conformal Load-Bearing Antenna Structures (CLASs) Applications

“…The CLAS concept [29][30] vehicle integration and application allows an antenna and its surrounding structure to become one seamless entity. This approach offers the optimum leveraging of materials and structures and significantly reduces the weight and drag associated with conventional antenna integration schemes.…”