Naval Special Warfare Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Low Elevation Angle Antenna

United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) are called upon to operate anywhere in the world at any time, in extremis.Often these SOF operators must deploy using undersea vehicles such as the Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) or, in the near future, the Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS).UHF satellite communications are a major component of the SOFs ability to operate anywhere with impunity.However, the currently deployed SDV antenna system only support zenith to 45 degrees above horizon communications, limiting the effective locations of achievable UHF link to central and moderate latitudes.IERUS Technologies proposes to develop a next-generation SDV/SWCS-compatible UHF communications antenna supporting both UFO and MUOS frequency bands with full upper hemispherical coverage.IERUS will accomplish through our novel antenna and material design processes that have previously resulted in advanced low-profile antennas for commercial and defense applications.IERUS will further develop this antenna in a low-profile package, replacing the current antenna which protrudes up to five feet above the waterline and thereby making the SDV more vulnerable to visual identification.