Conformal Directive Antenna for Line-of-Sight (LOS) Applications on SWaP-C Constrained Platforms

ABSTRACT: Broader deployments of Common Data Link (CDL) and similar Line-of-Sight (LOS) networking capabilities have become increasingly important as the Warfighter evolves to ever-increasing bandwidth (high data rate) and 24/7/365 availability demands in the modern battlefield. However, broad deployments have been traditionally hampered by undesirable antenna size, bulk, and cost, thus limiting availability to all but the largest and most strategic platforms. The proposed directional (20 dBi Gain Class) low-profile (<1.5"H), lightweight (<5 lbs.) low cost ($10K to $25K) antenna is will enable broader and more effective deployment of CDL and similar LOS capabilities to the field. Using proven Continuous Transverse Stub (CTS) array technology in an innovative end-fire (horizon-coverage) variant, a new directive steerable antenna suitable for truly conformal installations, even on the most SWaP-C constrained platforms, is proposed. Starting with baseline Ku CDL capability, but with growth to alternate frequencies and multi-band variants, the proposed antenna provides an attractive growth and"commonality"path to all LOS applications. In Phase I, ThinKom proposes to complete preliminary RF, mechanical, and tracking design and installation concepts for the proposed antenna, followed (in a contemplated Phase II effort) with further refinement, fabrication, test, and demonstration in an aeronautically-relevant environment. BENEFIT: ThinKom has successfully fielded antennas at C, X, Ku, Ka, Q, E, and W bands, including dual-band and wideband variants. Further, ThinKom has developed a range of SATCOM On-the-Move antenna systems, including pointing and stabilization subsystems, readily adaptable to CDL Line-of-Sight (LOS) needs. Current and potential applications for the particular proposed CDL-variant of the CTS antenna technology, include SATCOM, EW/ESM, Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP), Point-to-Point (PTP), and various Asset-Tracking applications where a truly low-cost high-gain low-profile steerable antenna is a strong Commercial enabler