Multi-Band Dual-Aperture SATCOM Antenna for Rotary Wing Aircraft
Navy SBIR FY2014.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1
Topic No.: N141-015
Topic Title: Multi-Band Dual-Aperture SATCOM Antenna for Rotary Wing Aircraft
Proposal No.: N141-015-1108
Firm: Applied Radar, Inc.
315 Commerce Park Road
North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852
Contact: William Weedon
Phone: (401) 295-0062
Web Site: www.appliedradar.com
Abstract: A multi-band dual-aperture SATCOM antenna is proposed to support rotary-wing aircraft thru-rotor performance at X, Ku and Ka-bands including Ku-band TCDL as an option. Our proposed effort focuses on a low-cost design with reduced height and leverages existing aperture and radome technology from our prime contractor partner Lockheed-Martin. It also leverages existing digital modem technology developed at Applied Radar, as well as our experience in gimbal and controller design. In Phase 1, thru-rotor measurements will be performed with a test aircraft to assess and verify link-budget performance. Portions of the antenna and modem will be designed and fabricated. The Phase 1 Option will include design of the gimbal and controller, as well as additional antenna/modem design and testing. Phase 2 will include integration of the various components into a complete working antenna prototype meeting all of the frequency band requirements.
Benefits: Technology is directly relevant to the Firescout MQ-8C rotary-wing UAV. Additional applications are to commercial mmWave Pt-to-Pt links.

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