Antenna modeling and characterization of a VLF airborne dual trailing wire antenna systems

This paper describes the electrical characterization of the Very Low Frequency (VLF) dual trailing wire antenna systems associated with Navy aircraft used for communications to underwater Navy assets. The static wire geometry with the aircraft in orbit was obtained using a modified version of the program WIRE3, which models the mechanical parameters of the dual trailing wire antenna. The Numerical Electromagnetic Code (NEC) was used to model all electrical characteristics of the VLF dual trailing wire systems associated with the typical TACAMO aircraft. Antenna parameters such as current distribution, input impedance versus frequency, effective radiated power, and the effect of antenna wire conductivity were evaluated. It is demonstrated that the computer codes provide results which are consistent with measured values of static antenna electrical parameters.