Novel Electronically Steered Terminal for Vehicle-Satellite Networks

We propose a novel, electronically steered, MMW terminal for mobile vehicle-to-satellite communication networks. The terminal is based on a new type of all-solid-state antenna which provides much higher beam steering rates than mechanical scanners with much less complexity and cost than phased arrays. This terminal will allow a user to rapidly log-on to a military communication satellite from a moving platform such as a land vehicle, ship, or aircraft. Operation from a moving platform is made possible by the new antenna which offers sub-millisecond scan times and allows for compensation of dynamic changes in platform orientation to be made in real-time. By allowing platform movement, the terminal will provide increased immunity from electromagnetic counter measures and attack. The project would develop a low profile, conformal antenna with wide scan angle. Laboratory feasibility of the antenna technique has been shown from 20 to 110 GHz, demonstrating that it will work at the technically important frequencies of 20 and 44 GHz to be used for Milstar 2 down-link and up-link connectivity. It has been shown that performance is unaffected by frequency hopping and the ability to track from a randomly moving platform has been demonstrated. There promises to be a significant advance in MMW beam control with a high potential for a breakthrough in communication system performance. Anticipated Benefits: Initial benefits of this technology for the DoD mission are in the areas of communications from moving platforms, radar for closed loop fire control, secure communications, and concealed weapon detection. Potential commercial uses include on-board vehicle radar, monitoring airport traffic, and concealed weapon detection.