Abstract
A directional 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 microstrip patch antenna array is proposed for UAV-to-UAV and UAV-to-ground communication in next generation flying ad-hoc networks (FANETs). The antenna arrays resonate in the 5 GHz frequency band. These antennas were designed and simulated using Agilent ADS Momentum using Rogers RT/Duroid 5880LZ substrate ((r)=1.96 and h=2.54 mm). A hybrid feed technique is used for the antenna arrays with a quarter-wave transformer-based network to match the impedance from the feed-point to the antenna to 50 . The antenna is optimized to achieve directional radiation pattern by introducing two symmetrical slots at the non-radiating edges of the patch. The gain achieved for the single-element antenna, 1 x 2 and 2 x 2 antenna arrays are 7.5 dBi, 9.4 dBi, and 10.8 dBi, respectively, which are ideal for FANET applications to perform communication between the swarms of quad-rotor copter (QRC) type UAVs. The antenna array design is less complex and can be used for the advanced antenna beam-steering systems in next generation FANETs.