MUOS Antennas for Soldiers

This proposal describes the development of antennas for communications with the MUOS satellite system from the soldier platform. The soldier platform is challenged by limited real estate, ballistic armor plates that degrade antennas placed in close proximity, and the effects of the soldier’s fighting load. MegaWave Corporation proposes to use experience gained during the Phase I program, and other related expertise to develop four MUOS antenna types for the soldier. These will include antennas that are: mounted onto the radio; soldier worn; integrated into the soldier’s rucksack; and deployable high gain antennas that can be used when the rucksack is placed on the ground. Our approach includes modeling the performance of candidate antennas of each type. Laboratory prototypes will then be fabricated and their performance measured when mounted on an electromagnetic body phantom. Upon completion of these measurements, we will down select to one antenna for each type, conduct a detailed mechanical design of the selected options, and fabricate and deliver several of each. A Phase II option provides for supporting test and evaluation of the antennas at On-The-Move and Air Assault Expeditionary Force exercises, then modifying the antenna designs based on feedback obtained during these exercises.