ANTENNA PLACEMENT OPTIMIZATION ON TACTICAL VEHICLES USING A HYBRID METHOD: MODELING AND SIMULATION (M&S) AND HARDWARE IN THE LOOP

This paper will discuss a hybrid approach for antenna placement optimization on tactical vehicles. Tactical vehicles tend to have collocated antennas that operate in adjacent frequency bands. It may be required that two antennas operate simultaneously to satisfy a wide range of voice and data capabilities. The current process to optimize the location of antennas on platforms involves longer test times, complicated logistics, high costs, and is usually performed in an uncontrolled environment. In order to optimize the placement location and minimize the cosite interference between these antennas with consideration to the top deck obstructions, it is advantageous to use a hybrid method. The hybrid method presented here is the combination of Electromagnetic (EM) Modeling and Simulation (M&S) and Laboratory Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) testing. This paper presents the benefits of using this hybrid method in the areas of test time reduction, lessening costs, easing logistics, and providing the test in a controlled environment.