Boeing 737 Antenna Locations

Overview of all antenna locations on a Boeing 737 aircraft –

1. Weather Radar: Positioned at the nose of the aircraft, this antenna is used for detecting and monitoring weather conditions ahead, ensuring safe navigation around hazardous weather.
2. Glideslope Antenna: Found in the nose section of the aircraft, it provides vertical guidance during approaches and landings as part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS).
3. TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) Antennas: Located on the top and bottom of the fuselage, these antennas enable the system to detect and help avoid potential mid-air collisions by tracking nearby aircraft.
4. ATC (Air Traffic Control) Communication Antennas: These are positioned on both the top and bottom of the fuselage for reliable two-way communication with air traffic control.
5. Iridium SATCOM (optional): Located on the top of the fuselage, this antenna provides satellite communication capabilities for data and voice communication over long distances.
6. GPS Antennas (GPS 1 and GPS 2): Positioned on the top of the fuselage, they provide precise navigation data for flight management systems.
7. VHF Communication Antennas:
   • VHF 1: Located on the top of the fuselage.
   • VHF 2: Positioned on the bottom of the fuselage.
   • VHF 3 (optional): Typically found on the top or bottom of the fuselage, used for supplementary communication.
8. DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) 1 and 2: Positioned on the bottom of the fuselage, these antennas help determine the distance between the aircraft and ground-based stations for navigation.
9. Marker Beacon Antenna: Located on the bottom of the fuselage, this antenna detects signals from ground-based marker beacons to identify specific points during an approach.
10. Radio Altimeter Transmitters (1 and 2) and Receivers (1 and 2): Mounted on the bottom of the fuselage, they send and receive signals to measure the aircraft’s altitude above the ground.
11. ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) 1 and 2 (optional): Located on the top of the fuselage, these antennas receive signals from non-directional beacons (NDBs) to aid in navigation.
12. Inmarsat SATCOM (optional): Also positioned on the top of the fuselage, it supports satellite-based communication for global connectivity.
13. ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) (optional): Found on the top of the fuselage, this antenna transmits the aircraft’s location during emergencies to assist in search and rescue operations.
14. HF (High Frequency) Antenna: Mounted on or integrated into the vertical stabilizer, this antenna facilitates long-range communication, essential for transoceanic flights.
15. Localizer Antenna: Typically mounted in the nose section of the aircraft, it provides lateral guidance as part of the ILS during approach. Note: The localizer antenna is not found in the vertical stabilizer; please disregard its placement in the image nomenclature.
16. VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) Antenna: Found on the vertical stabilizer, this antenna receives signals from VOR ground stations for navigation and enroute guidance.