A conformal, load bearing, phased array antenna system having a plurality
of adjacently positioned antenna aperture sections that collectively form
a single, enlarged antenna aperture. The aperture sections are each
formed by intersecting wall panels that form a honeycomb-like core having
a plurality of electromagnetic radiating elements embedded in the wall
panels that form the core. The aperture wall panels are assembled onto a
single, multi-faceted back skin, bonded thereto, and then machined to
produce a desired surface contour. A radome formed by a single piece of
composite material is then bonded to the contoured surface. Antenna
electronics printed wiring boards are also bonded to an opposite side of
the back skin. The contour is selected to match a mold line of a surface
into which the antenna system is installed. The antenna is able to form
an integral, load bearing portion of the structure into which it is
installed.