6A6 - Vertical shipboard antennas for use in the MF band (410-525 kHz) are often fitted with top-hat loading sections. What is the purpose of these structures?

B.Permits a physically short antenna to appear electrically longer

A.Provides aerodynamic compensation for stress during high winds

C.Improves the near-field radiated pattern at the expense of the far-field pattern

D.Prevents salt build-up on antennas from shunting RF energy to ground