Dual Band X/Ka On-The-Move Antenna System

The proposed project will realize a low profile, circularly polarized, X/Ka-band antenna system designed for Communication On-The-Move applications. The preliminary X-Band antenna design was successfully accomplished in Phase I, with mating Ka-band antenna and common gimbal concepts included. A preliminary Ka-Band antenna design is planned for the Phase I Option. The complete detailed design of both X and Ka antennas will be produced under Phase II. During Phase II ThinKom will deliver a full size, X-band, flat plate, CTS antenna and a reduced size prototype Ka-band antenna (20 GHz Rx, 30 GHz Tx). The Ka-band antenna architecture is based on several subarrays, so performance of one subarray effectively validates the design. The X-band and Ka-band antennas produce orthogonal CP, with the sense selectable via manual flipping of the polarizer in front of the aperture. The antennas are designed to work together on a common azimuth pedestal evolved from an existing ThinKom gimbal design. A conceptual gimbal design will be provided during Phase II. The resulting antennas will have significant performance advantages over similarly sized dish antennas. The low profile, dual band antenna system will provide an inconspicuous appearance on ground vehicles.