Towed network communications subsystem for in flight use by towing aircraft

摘要

The present invention relates to a towed wireless network communications subsystem for use in flight by a towing aircraft. The towed wireless network communications subsystem includes an aerodynamic enclosure having a tether attachment and configured to be towed by the towing aircraft. A directional antenna is disposed on the aerodynamic enclosure and is capable of forming one or more directional communications beams within a wireless network. A communications device is disposed in the aerodynamic enclosure and is coupled to the directional antenna(s). The communications device is configured to relay communications data between the towing aircraft and the wireless network.