N222-112 Low-profile High-Frequency Maritime Antenna

The 1.5 MHz to 35 MHz HF band supports a variety of functions (including ionospheric characterization and over-the-horizon communications) with relatively little infrastructure. The large antenna sizes required present a significant challenge that has prevented the adaptation of HF systems on small platforms. Small, low free-board maritime craft have an extremely small footprint and require a miniaturized antenna that minimizes SWaP, is optimized for the proximity of seawater, and supports a variety of waveforms. FIRST RF’s solution approaches the problem from a systems perspective through the combination of three unique technologies to optimize the antenna type for the platform, compensate for the environment, and provide the required bandwidth. This multi-pronged approach eliminates the reliance on diminishing returns offered by a single-technology solution.