In situations where a limited platform size forces the use of electric
ally small antennas (especially 30 Mhz-3 GHz), superconducting antenna
s can increase gain performance by up to 10dB. Both superconducting el
ectrically small half loops and spirals have shown significant increas
es in performance over their normal metal counterparts. Additionally,
compact arrays, such as a multi function array or GPS anti-jam arrays,
where mutual coupling between elements increases loss can benefit fro
m superconducting elements as well. Ongoing progress in the areas of h
igh quality large area high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin fil
m and multilayer growth, including frequency agile materials such as t
he perovskite ferroelectrics, has opened the doors for producing super
conducting antennas which could be used in the fleet. The development
of cost effective small cryogenic coolers has also made superconductin
g antennas a viable technology. This paper will review both the fundam
ental RF properties of high temperature superconductors (HTS) and demo
nstrations of increased performance by superconducting antennas. Condi
tions requiring a superconducting antenna, examples of possible system
s and industry's ability to produce them will be discussed. Supercondu
ctivity is a viable technology ready for incorporation into appropriat
e Naval RF systems.