Multi-Band Dual-Aperture SATCOM Antenna for Rotary Wing Aircraft

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.