Affordable, High-Efficiency, Low-Profile VICTS X-Band Phased Array Antenna for Tactical Aircraft

Navy tactical aircraft, (e.g. F/A-18, P-3, EA-6, V-22 and JSF) need high data rate (e.g. T1) over-the-horizon communications for rapid re-targeting, damage assessment reporting, on/off-board sensor fusion, and real-time mission critical communications. The new X-Band SATCOM system, XTAR, is being considered by DOD for such use due to the higher data rates it provides via smaller antennas. These small antenna systems need RHCP and LHCP, to transmit and receive (with sufficient T-R isolation), and 25dBic antenna directivity (or equivalent T/R capabilities) over nearly the entire upper hemisphere, requiring steerable transmit and receive beams. ThinKom will conducted research, trade studies and analysis on ThinKom's highly affordable Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased array antenna technology and recommend suitable antenna systems for such tactical aircraft. ThinKom estimates small (approximately 13.5"), low profile (approximately 2") surface mounted VICTS antennas (or cavity mounted for LO) will provide the desired T/R performance up to 70 degrees off zenith. In addition, VICTS antenna systems are physically robust enough to withstand airborne environments, while using low-cost commercial materials and processes. Further, VICTS antenna systems, versus Actively Electronically Scanned Antennas, provide comparable performance with a 60%-70% smaller footprint and an 80%-90% lower cost.