Fiber Based RF Phased-Array Antennas

Described is a flexible thermally-drawn receive phased array antenna and antenna system and a process for making the same. The phased array antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements and one or more low noise amplifiers (LNAs) encapsulated in a fiber such as flexible polyetherimide (PEI) fiber material. A DC bias for the LNAs and other components is provided by one or more electrically conducting wires disposed in proximity to the antenna elements and also encapsulated in the fiber. In embodiments, the antenna elements are provided as dipole antenna elements and the phased array antenna is provided as a flexible thermally-drawn linear dipole receive phased array antenna operable at UHF frequencies.