US Patent 9685707 Active electronically scanned array antenna

An antenna is provided and includes a radiator aperture assembly including a plurality of radiator sticks, each radiator stick including a row of radiating elements configured to transmit and receive RF energy and a body having opposite sides, conductive elements coupled to the radiating elements and a plate disposed proximate to the radiator aperture assembly through which the conductive elements extend. Complementary opposite sides of the respective bodies of adjacent radiator sticks and a surface of the plate are configured to form a slot radiator.