Design and experimental validation of convex conformal reflectarray antennas

The design, the numerical analysis and the experimental characterisation of a convex conformal reflectarray (CRA) has been carried out, with the aim of investigating the feasibility of reflectarrays bent on convex curved surfaces. A medium‐size offset CRA in Ka‐band has been designed, and a demonstrator has been manufactured and measured. The results prove the correctness of the design procedure and the feasibility of this type of antenna, pointing out the differences, also in terms of radiation performances, with respect to a planar reflectarray.