Portable and Mobile Antennas
Body-Worn Antennas
As military communications evolve, body-worn antennas have emerged as an innovative solution for troops on the ground. These antennas can be integrated into soldiers’ clothing, providing discreet and reliable communication capabilities without needing external hardware. Incorporating antennas into uniforms and gear allows for more seamless and secure communications, particularly in combat or reconnaissance missions where stealth and mobility are paramount.
Manpack Radio Antennas
Manpack antennas are typically used with manpack radios to enable secure voice, data, and GPS communications across various frequency bands. Engineered for durability and flexibility, manpack antennas often feature collapsible or ruggedized designs that can withstand harsh battlefield conditions. Their portability makes them an ideal tactical antenna, allowing troops to maintain constant communication with command centers or other units, even in remote or high-mobility scenarios. Advancements in antenna technology mean that modern military manpack antennas now offer enhanced performance, supporting high-gain, wideband, and SATCOM capabilities for various operational needs.
Military Vehicle Antennas
Military vehicle antennas are essential for maintaining robust communication and data links across a range of operations, from ground support to high-mobility engagements. Mounted on armored vehicles, tanks, and tactical trucks, these antennas are designed for durability and can operate effectively in harsh environments, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity on the move. Vehicle antennas cover various communication needs, including VHF/UHF for local command, SATCOM for long-distance links, and wideband capabilities for data-heavy transmissions.
Equipped with features like automatic tuning and shock resistance, military vehicle antennas withstand extreme conditions, including vibration and impact, while supporting voice, data, and situational awareness systems. Some vehicle antennas integrate multiple frequency bands into a single, compact unit, providing flexibility and reducing the equipment footprint on the vehicle. By enabling real-time communication with command centers and other units, these antennas ensure that mobile forces maintain situational awareness and coordination, critical in fast-paced operational settings.
Antennas for Unmanned Platforms
Unmanned systems, including military drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), rely heavily on specialized antennas to maintain robust communication links for command and control and payload data transmission.
- Common data link (CDL) Ku-band antennas with circular polarization and up to 4dBiC gain are frequently used to ensure reliable data communication between unmanned platforms and their control stations.
- Counter-drone antennas are designed to mitigate the growing threat of enemy UAVs. These antennas are critical in disrupting hostile drone operations and ensuring airspace security.
- Directional antennas, used for communication between towing aircraft and the aircraft being towed, offer enhanced precision in data transmission.
- Colinear, vertically polarized omni antennas, often installed on aircraft wings, provide high-gain solutions for improved range and signal clarity.
Other specialized antennas for unmanned platforms include radar cross-section enhancement antennas, radar detection systems, and spiral antennas used for navigation.