Multipolarized Vector Sensor Array Antenna System for Search and Rescue Application

The present disclosure is directed towards direction finding (DF) systems that can detect and locals a radio frequency (RF) signal (e.g. an emergency beacon) is two dimensions (i.e., azimuth and elevation). In one embodiment, a DF system comprises an array of multipolarized loop antennas coupled to a beamformer which provides monopole, dipole, and loop antenna element modal signals. The DF system may also comprise a multi-channel digital receiver system coupled to the beamformer. The multi-channel digital receiver system is configured to receive modal signals provided thereto from the beamformer which can be used for accurate two-dimensional geolocation of RF signals including, but not limited to, location of RF emergency beacon sources.