The world's smallest-diameter K-band satellite antenna, less than 77mm (3in) across, has been demonstrated by US communications technology company Harris Government Communication Systems.
Designed for use on board military fighters and other airborne platforms, it will provide the capability for satellites to link with aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F/A-22 Raptor and Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The antenna demonstrated is a phased-array device that can operate as a multifunction datalink. It operates in a narrow K-band frequency range between 18GHz and 26.5GHz.
"This K-band downlink-capable [antenna] opens the door to a range of new applications that will allow satellites in this frequency band to link with stealth aircraft, which require much smaller, lighter antennas," says Dan Pearson, president of Harris's US Department of Defense programmes unit.
As well as satellite communications, the antenna can provide air-to-air datalinks between aircraft. Using this narrowband frequency, the antenna, working through a Rockwell Collins single-channel anti-jam terminal, can send data at up to 300 bytes per second.
Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins Government Systems were also involved in the antenna's development.
Source: Flight International
