GNSS/GPS Antennas for Drones & UAVs

Table of Contents:

• GNSS/GPS Antennas for Drone Operations
• GNSS/GPS Antennas for Specialized Applications
• Types of GNSS/GPS Antennas for UAVs
• Active vs. Passive GNSS Antennas
• Key Considerations for GNSS/GPS Antennas in UAVs
• GNSS Antenna Mounting and Placement for UAVs
• Antenna Gain and Performance Considerations
• Antenna Performance Challenges & Solutions for UAVs
• GNSS Antenna Compliance & Industry Standards for UAVs
• Future Trends in GNSS Antenna Technology for UAVs
• Optimizing GNSS/GPS Antenna Performance in UAVs

GNSS/GPS Antennas for Drone Operations

Drones and UAVs rely on GNSS technology for a wide range of applications, from precision agriculture and geospatial surveying to fleet management and autonomous navigation. The right GNSS antenna ensures robust signal reception, minimizes interference, and enhances positioning accuracy, particularly in challenging environments.

Different types of GNSS antennas cater to specific operational needs. Patch antennas, for example, offer compact, lightweight solutions ideal for UAV integration, while helical antennas provide strong multipath resistance and superior performance in dynamic conditions. Multiband antennas can further enhance accuracy by leveraging RTK correction data, making them essential for high-precision applications like aerial mapping and geodetic surveying.

GNSS/GPS Antennas for Specialized Applications

GNSS antennas are used across diverse UAV applications, each requiring different levels of precision and reliability:

• Surveying and mapping – High-accuracy GNSS antennas equipped with RTK corrections enable precise geospatial data collection from mapping drones.
• Autonomous navigation – UAVs used in logistics and transportation rely on robust GNSS antennas for reliable positioning.
• Marine navigation – UAVs deployed in marine environments use corrosion-resistant, high-performance GNSS antennas for stable operation.
• Fleet management – UAVs in fleet management benefit from GNSS tracking antennas to ensure real-time monitoring and coordination.
• Defense & military operations – Anti-jamming GNSS antennas enhance secure UAV navigation in high-risk environments.

Types of GNSS/GPS Antennas for UAVs

Selecting the appropriate GNSS antenna for a drone or unmanned vehicle depends on various factors, including weight, size, signal reception characteristics, and operational environment. Different antenna designs offer unique advantages in terms of signal accuracy, interference resistance, and compatibility with specific GNSS frequencies.

Patch Antennas

Patch antennas are one of the most common GNSS antenna types used in UAVs due to their compact size, lightweight structure, and ease of integration. These antennas operate by receiving signals from satellites through a flat, rectangular ceramic patch, typically mounted on a ground plane. While patch antennas perform well in open-sky conditions, they can be affected by multipath interference when operating near buildings, trees, or rugged terrain. They are widely used in UAV applications where space and weight constraints are critical, such as small drones used for mapping and surveying.

Helical Antennas

Helical GNSS Antenna by Maxtena

Helical GNSS antennas provide superior signal reception in dynamic environments and are particularly useful in UAV applications where constant movement and changing orientations are common. These antennas feature a wound conductor structure, typically designed as quadrifilar or conical helices, which enhances circular polarization and minimizes signal degradation. Helical antennas offer excellent multipath rejection, making them ideal for UAVs operating in dense urban areas or rugged landscapes where signals may reflect off surfaces before reaching the antenna. Their ability to maintain stable reception in varying orientations makes them popular in high-precision UAV applications such as geodetic surveying and search-and-rescue missions.

Quadrifilar Helix Antennas

Quadrifilar helix antennas, a specific type of helical antenna, are optimized for enhanced circular polarization and signal stability. They consist of four helical elements arranged in a specific geometry to improve reception in dynamic UAV movements. These antennas offer strong performance in challenging environments, such as high-altitude UAV flights, where maintaining a consistent connection with satellites is critical. Their robust design makes them suitable for UAV-based remote sensing, atmospheric monitoring, and maritime surveillance.

Dipole Antennas

Dipole antennas are omnidirectional GNSS antennas that provide 360-degree coverage, ensuring stable reception from multiple satellite constellations regardless of UAV orientation. Unlike directional antennas that require specific alignment, dipole antennas are advantageous for drones that frequently change heading or operate in unpredictable flight patterns. They are commonly used in UAV-based fleet management, real-time tracking, and autonomous drone operations, where a broad reception pattern is preferred over focused gain in a single direction.

Choke Ring Antennas

Choke ring antennas are designed to minimize multipath interference, which occurs when GNSS signals bounce off surfaces before reaching the antenna. They feature multiple concentric metal rings that block reflected signals, allowing the antenna to receive direct satellite signals with higher precision. These antennas are typically used in high-precision RTK and geodetic applications where centimeter-level accuracy is required. While choke ring antennas are larger and heavier than other GNSS antenna types, they are ideal for UAVs conducting high-accuracy surveying, reference station applications, and long-duration scientific studies.

Anti-Jam GNSS Antennas

GAJT-310 Anti-Jam GPS Antenna by NovAtel

Anti-jam GNSS antennas are specifically engineered to counteract intentional and unintentional signal disruptions that can compromise UAV navigation and positioning accuracy. These antennas incorporate advanced filtering technologies, directional reception capabilities, and interference suppression techniques to maintain reliable satellite connectivity even in contested environments.

Anti-jam GNSS antennas are widely used in defense, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure applications where secure, uninterrupted positioning is essential. UAVs operating in conflict zones, near military installations, or in areas with high levels of RF interference benefit from these antennas’ ability to resist jamming attempts.

Different anti-jamming technologies include null-steering (which electronically blocks jamming signals), adaptive beamforming (which enhances the reception of legitimate GNSS signals), and spatial filtering (which isolates signals from specific directions). These features allow UAVs to maintain continuous navigation even when faced with electronic interference, ensuring mission success in challenging operational environments.

As UAVs and drones become increasingly integrated into military, commercial, and emergency response operations, anti-jam GNSS antennas play a crucial role in enhancing their resilience and reliability. Thus, they are an essential component of modern UAV positioning systems.

CRPA (Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas)

Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA) are advanced GNSS antennas designed to mitigate interference and jamming by dynamically adjusting their reception patterns. CRPA antennas use multiple antenna elements and sophisticated signal processing techniques to filter out unwanted signals, ensuring that only authentic satellite signals are received.

For UAV applications, CRPA antennas are particularly valuable in military and defense operations where adversaries may attempt to jam or spoof GNSS signals. These antennas provide enhanced resilience against electronic warfare threats, making them essential for UAVs used in reconnaissance, surveillance, and secure navigation. Additionally, CRPA antennas improve positioning accuracy in urban environments where interference from buildings and other signal sources can degrade GNSS performance.

While CRPA technology significantly enhances signal integrity, these antennas are typically more complex and power-intensive than standard GNSS antennas. As a result, they are most commonly used in high-security UAV applications where robust anti-jamming capabilities are required.

Multiband GNSS Antennas

Multiband GNSS Antenna by Harxon

Multiband GNSS antennas are designed to receive signals from multiple GNSS frequency bands simultaneously, enhancing positioning accuracy, reducing signal errors, and improving resilience against interference. These antennas support multiple satellite navigation constellations, including GPS (L1, L2, L5), GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou, allowing UAVs to achieve higher precision and reliability in various operational environments.

For UAV applications, dual-band and multi-band GNSS antennas are especially beneficial in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Precise Point Positioning (PPP) GNSS correction systems, where centimeter-level accuracy is required. By receiving signals from different frequency bands, these antennas can compensate for ionospheric delays and signal distortions, significantly improving UAV navigation in complex environments such as urban canyons, mountainous regions, and dense forests.

Common configurations of multiband GNSS antennas include:

• L1/L2 GNSS antennas – These antennas support dual-frequency operation, reducing ionospheric errors and improving positional accuracy for RTK and surveying drones.
• L1/L5 GNSS antennas – L5 signals offer higher power and better resistance to interference, making them ideal for precision agriculture and drone mapping.
• L1/L2/L5 or multi-constellation antennas – These antennas provide the highest level of accuracy and reliability by accessing a broader range of satellite signals.

Multiband GNSS antennas are essential for UAVs performing high-precision tasks such as surveying, mapping, fleet management, and autonomous flight. As drone technology advances, multiband antennas are becoming the standard for professional UAV applications that demand superior positioning accuracy and reliability.

Active vs. Passive GNSS Antennas

Iridium & GPS L1 Antenna by Southwest Antennas

GNSS antennas are classified as either active or passive, depending on their signal amplification capabilities. Active GNSS antennas include an integrated low-noise amplifier (LNA) that boosts weak signals before they reach the receiver, improving performance in areas with weak satellite visibility. These antennas are particularly beneficial for UAVs operating in urban or mountainous regions where signal attenuation is common. In contrast, passive GNSS antennas do not include internal amplification and rely solely on their design to receive signals. While passive antennas consume no additional power and can be more compact, they typically require an external signal amplifier for optimal performance in UAV applications.

Each GNSS antenna type serves a distinct purpose, and selecting the best one depends on a UAV mission’s specific requirements. Whether for long-range autonomous navigation, centimeter-level positioning accuracy, or resistance to interference, choosing the right GNSS antenna enhances UAV performance and operational reliability.

Key Considerations for GNSS/GPS Antennas in UAVs

To maximize GNSS performance in drones, several factors must be taken into account when choosing and integrating an antenna:

• Frequency bands – Dual-band and multi-band GNSS antennas (e.g., L1/L2, L1/L5) improve accuracy by utilizing multiple satellite signals simultaneously.
• Antenna placement – Positioning the antenna on a UAV is critical for minimizing interference from onboard electronics and maximizing sky visibility.
• Interference mitigation – Anti-jamming and anti-spoofing GNSS antennas help protect against signal disruptions in military and high-security applications.
• Environmental durability – Waterproof and ruggedized GNSS antennas are essential for UAVs operating in extreme weather conditions or marine environments.
• RTK & high-precision applications – Multiband antennas, in combination with correction services like RTK, provide centimeter-level accuracy, which is crucial for precision agriculture, surveying, and industrial drone applications.

GNSS Antenna Mounting and Placement for UAVs

The performance of a GNSS antenna depends not only on its design but also on how it is mounted on the UAV. Engineers must consider the following factors when installing an antenna:

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  Dual Band GNSS Antennas by Calian GNSS

  Clear sky view – The antenna should be positioned on top of the UAV with minimal obstruction to ensure an unobstructed view of the sky and maximize satellite signal reception.

• Minimizing interference – Electronic components such as cameras, transmitters, and ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) can generate electromagnetic interference. Placing the GNSS antenna away from these sources improves signal integrity.
• Ground plane considerations – Some GNSS antennas, such as patch antennas, require a ground plane for optimal performance. Ensuring the UAV frame supports this feature can enhance signal reception.
• Vibration isolation – Mounting the antenna on a stable, vibration-isolated platform can prevent fluctuations in signal reception, which is especially important for high-precision RTK applications.
• Antenna orientation – The antenna should be aligned properly to maintain strong signal reception during UAV maneuvers, particularly for directional antennas like helical and CRPA antennas.

Antenna Gain and Performance Considerations

The gain of a GNSS antenna determines how effectively it receives signals from satellites. Engineers should consider:

• Low-gain antennas (0–3 dBi) – Suitable for compact UAVs operating in open-sky conditions where satellite signals are strong.
• Medium-gain antennas (3–5 dBi) balance size and performance and are ideal for general-purpose UAV applications.
• High-gain antennas (5+ dBi) – Offer superior reception in challenging environments but require precise orientation to avoid signal loss.

Antenna Performance Challenges & Solutions for UAVs

Integrating a GNSS antenna into a UAV presents unique challenges that can impact positioning accuracy and reliability. Engineers must consider several real-world factors when selecting and deploying a GNSS antenna for drone applications.

Urban Canyon Effects & Multipath Interference

In dense urban environments, GNSS signals can reflect off buildings, leading to multipath interference, where delayed signals distort positioning accuracy. UAVs flying in cities or near large structures need multipath-resistant GNSS antennas such as:

• Helical antennas – Designed with circular polarization to reject reflected signals.
• Choke ring antennas – Engineered to filter out multipath signals by blocking reflections.
• Quadrifilar helix antennas – Provide strong multipath mitigation while maintaining compact form factors.

Using multi-constellation GNSS antennas (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) also helps by ensuring UAVs can switch between satellites to maintain accurate positioning.

High-Speed Flight & Maneuverability

AX4E02 Geodetic Antenna by Tersus GNSS

UAVs performing high-speed maneuvers or dynamic flight paths require GNSS antennas that:

• Support fast signal reacquisition after banking or rapid movement.
• Maintain low-latency data transfer for real-time positioning.
• Use high-precision RTK or multiband GNSS to prevent signal dropouts.

For these applications, RTK-capable, high-gain helical or patch antennas with strong sky visibility are ideal.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from UAV Electronics

UAV components such as cameras, RF transmitters, and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) generate electromagnetic noise, which can disrupt GNSS signals. To mitigate this, engineers should:

• Position the GNSS antenna away from onboard electronics (typically on the UAV’s highest point).
• Use shielded GNSS cables to prevent interference from power and data lines.
• Select antennas with built-in EMI filtering, especially for UAVs with high-powered transmitters.

Selecting active GNSS antennas with low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) can also help boost weak signals in interference-prone environments.

GNSS Antenna Compliance & Industry Standards for UAVs

Selecting a GNSS antenna for UAV applications often requires compliance with industry standards to ensure durability, accuracy, and interference resistance. Engineers should consider the following certifications and regulations when choosing a GNSS antenna for UAVs.

Environmental & Durability Standards

• DO-160G (environmental testing for avionics equipment) – Ensures GNSS antennas can withstand vibration, shock, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
• MIL-STD-810 (military standard for harsh environments) – Required for UAVs operating in military, defense, or extreme environmental conditions such as deserts, marine environments, or high-altitude flights.
• IP ratings (ingress protection) – IP67/IP68-rated GNSS antennas are waterproof and dustproof, essential for UAVs operating in marine, industrial, or harsh weather conditions.

Frequency Licensing & Spectrum Regulations

• RTK GNSS antennas & base stations – Some high-precision GNSS applications using RTK correction signals require compliance with local spectrum regulations (e.g., FCC in the U.S., CE in Europe).
• Anti-jam and CRPA GNSS antennas – Defense and security applications using anti-jamming GNSS antennas must comply with export control regulations (e.g., ITAR for U.S. military technology).

Ensuring compliance with these industry standards can prevent signal degradation, regulatory issues, and hardware failures in UAV deployments.

Future Trends in GNSS Antenna Technology for UAVs

As UAVs become more advanced, GNSS antenna technology is evolving to support autonomous navigation, high-precision positioning, and interference resistance.

Smart GNSS Antennas

RTK GNSS Smart Antenna by Harxon

Traditional GNSS antennas require an external receiver for signal processing. Smart GNSS antennas integrate the GNSS receiver and antenna into a single unit, offering:

• Reduced weight & power consumption (low-SWaP), ideal for lightweight drones.
• Faster signal processing, enabling low-latency autonomous UAV navigation.
• Improved anti-jamming capabilities, making them well-suited for military and industrial UAVs.

MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) GNSS Antennas

MIMO antennas use multiple elements to receive and transmit signals, enhancing:

• Interference mitigation by dynamically selecting the strongest satellite signals.
• Positioning accuracy for swarm drones and collaborative UAV networks.
• Resilience against jamming, making them valuable in defense and security applications.

Beamforming GNSS Antennas

Beamforming GNSS antennas dynamically steer their reception pattern to focus on the strongest GNSS signals while filtering out interference. This technology is particularly useful for:

• BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) UAVs, where maintaining a strong GNSS signal is critical.
• High-speed UAVs, such as long-range delivery drones or supersonic unmanned aircraft.
• Anti-jamming applications, allow UAVs to maintain positioning even under electronic attack.

These emerging technologies are shaping the future of UAV navigation, providing enhanced precision, security, and operational flexibility.

Optimizing GNSS/GPS Antenna Performance in UAVs

For UAV operators and manufacturers, selecting the right GNSS antenna is crucial to ensuring precision and reliability. The latest advancements in GNSS antenna technology, such as multi-band compatibility, RTK support, and anti-jamming capabilities, continue to improve UAV navigation and positioning accuracy. Whether for surveying, fleet tracking, or autonomous flight, high-quality GNSS antennas are essential for maximizing UAV performance in demanding environments.