Ground-Based Augmentation System Antenna Array Size Reduction via Self-Cardioid Element

A Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) monitors the signals of Global Navigation Satellite Systems and broadcasts differential correction signals. It relies on Multipath Limiting Antennas (MLAs) that can receive signals over almost the entire upper hemisphere while greatly attenuating signals reflected from the ground. The current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved system utilizes an MLA that is approximately 182.9 cm tall. In this paper, a substitute MLA is designed that is only 97.05 cm tall (approximately 44% reduction). The size reduction is accomplished by reducing the number of array elements from 19 to 11. We developed a novel self-cardioid antenna element that allows for this reduction.