9.5" Directional Ku-Band Antenna for Military UAVs and Airborne Platforms

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The 9.5" Directional Ku-Band Antenna is a solution designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern airborne operations. With 26 dBi of gain and a lightweight two-axis pedestal, this antenna is engineered for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned platforms that require maximum throughput and secure connectivity in dynamic environments.

Photo Credit: L3HARRIS

Compact Design with High-Gain Performance

The 9.5" Directional Antenna is a low-profile, low-drag system optimized for airborne use. Its compact structure ensures minimal aerodynamic impact, making it ideal for UAVs where efficiency and endurance are critical. Despite its small size, the antenna delivers 26 dBi of gain in the Ku-Band, providing unmatched signal strength and reliability. Right-hand circular polarization further enhances performance, ensuring robust communication links even in challenging operational conditions.

Integration with CDL and STANAG 7085 Systems

Military communication standards demand interoperability and resilience. The 9.5" Ku-Band Antenna is specifically designed to support CDL (Common Data Link) and STANAG 7085 systems, enabling secure, high-throughput data transmission across long distances. This makes the antenna a vital component for missions requiring real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Its ability to maintain high availability ensures that operators can rely on continuous connectivity during critical operations.

Advanced Two-Axis Pedestal for Precision Pointing

At the core of the antenna’s effectiveness is its advanced two-degrees-of-freedom pedestal. This system allows precise pointing and tracking, even during dynamic airborne maneuvers. Positioning commands are received over the RS-485 bus at rates of up to 20 times per second, ensuring rapid response and accuracy. Whether operating at long range or in close proximity, the pedestal guarantees stable alignment with communication targets, maintaining uninterrupted data flow.

Robust Electronic Module and Built-In Test Capability

The antenna assembly incorporates a sophisticated electronic module responsible for motor drive, position sensing, data interface, and power conversion. Nonvolatile memory allows operators to store user-defined boresight offsets, enhancing operational flexibility. Furthermore, the antenna features built-in test capability, capable of detecting up to 95 percent of potential faults. Results are reported via the RS-485 status bus, providing operators with immediate diagnostics and reducing downtime in the field.

Key Features of the 9.5" Directional Ku-Band Antenna

  • Reliable, low-cost two-axis gimbal
  • High-efficiency parabolic reflector
  • Compact, high-gain design

These features combine to deliver a system that is both rugged and efficient, tailored for the demands of airborne military platforms.

Operational Benefits for Defense Applications

The 9.5" Directional Antenna offers several critical benefits for defense and aerospace missions:

  • Rapid pointing capabilities that maintain secure links through flight dynamics
  • Highest gain in its class, maximizing throughput and operational range
  • Lightweight construction that reduces drag and enhances platform endurance

These advantages make the antenna a force multiplier for UAVs and manned aircraft engaged in ISR, command-and-control, and tactical communication missions.

9.5" Directional Ku-Band Antenna Specifications

CategorySpecification
RF Frequency RangeKu-Band CDL: 14.40 GHz to 15.4 GHz
Gain26 dBi
Beam Width (Max)7.0˚ at 3 dB
Side Lobes15.0 dB down from main beam
PolarizationRight-hand circular
Axial Ratio at Beam Peak2.0 dB (max)
VSWR (over frequency)1.5:1 (max)
RF Power Handling50 W
Control/Status InterfaceRS-485 interface to and from data link antenna controller
Size (SWaP)10.2" (diameter) × 14.6" (height)
Weight< 10 lb.
Power Consumption42 W (max) at +28 VDC ± 10%
Humidity95% with condensation, operating
Altitude (Max)70,000 ft., operating
Temperature (Operating)-54 °C to +71 °C
Temperature (Non-Operating)-57 °C to +95 °C
Shock (Operating)20 G
Shock (Non-Operating)30 G, 18 msec, half sine


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