An Investigation of the Possible Uses of the Normal Mode Helical Antenna in the Tactical Army.

This paper briefly discusses the need for electrically short antennas in the combat maneuver units of the modern field army. A brief history of the work done in the field of helical antennas is presented. An approximate mathematical development is presented which describes the radiation fields of the thin normal mode helical antenna. From the radiation fields, the equations for the polarization ratio and the radiation resistance are developed. A possible design for a tactical VHF-FM antenna to cover the frequency range 30-76 MHZ is presented. The design technique is discussed in detail and a calculator program for computing the input impedance is given. The results of experimental testing are presented and recommendations for improvement are given. (Author)