Northrop Grumman and Duke University have partnered to develop metamaterial-based antennas specifically for use in military aircraft platforms.
The project is funded through the Defense Department‘s Defense Enterprise Science Initiative, which aims to accelerate defense technology development efforts, Duke said Thursday.
According to the university, majority of metamaterials consist of repeating cells that are tunable to manipulate light, sound and electromagnetic waves.
Duke, UW and Northrop are working to produce aerodynamic metamaterials that can be curved in shape to conform with the angles of aircraft.
Researchers under the partnership also seek to develop modeling tools needed to build prototypes of metamaterial antennas for aerodynamic use.
The alliance is among five academe-industry teams that support the DESI program.