Conformal Transmitarrays for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Aided 6G Networks.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aided wireless communications promise to provide high-speed cost-effective wireless connectivity without needing fixed infrastructure coverage. They are a key technology enabler for sixth generation (6G) wireless networks, where a three-dimensional coverage including space, aero and terrestrial networks are to be deployed to guarantee seamless service continuity and reliability. Owing to the aerodynamic requirements, it is highly desirable to employ conformal antennas that can follow the shapes of the UAVs to reduce the extra drag and fuel consumption. To enable hundred giga-bits-per-second (Gb/s) data rates and massive connectivity for 6G networks, conformal antenna arrays featured with high gains and beam scanning/multiple beams are demanded for millimeter-wave and higher-frequency-range communications. However, new challenges exist in designing and implementing high-gain conformal arrays for UAV platforms. In this article, we overview the recent advances in conformal transmitarrays for UAV-based wireless communications, introducing new design methodologies and high-lighting new opportunities to be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]