SBIR-STTR Award

Broader deployments of Common Data Link (CDL) LOS networking capabilities are becoming increasingly important as the Warfighter evolves to ever-increasing bandwidth (high datarate)and 24/7/365 availability demands in the modern Battlefield. CDL is a key component of this need and capability, but has been traditionally hampered by requisite CDL antenna size, bulk, and cost which has traditionally limited it’s practicality and availability to all but the most strategic platforms and missions. The proposed directional low-profile (< 2.5”H), low cost ($10K to $25K), high-performance (9”D parabolic equivalent) CDL antenna is targeted at enabling broader and more effective deployment of CDL capabilities to the field. Using proven low-cost high-efficiency Continuous Transverse Stub (CTS) array technology in an innovative form-factor, a new “universal” CDL antenna suitable for even the smallest platforms, is proposed. Starting with baseline Ku CDL capability, but with growth to dual-band and tri-band variants (while retaining the same cost and size advantages) the proposed antenna provides an attractive growth and “commonality” path to all CDL applications. In Phase I, ThinKom proposes to complete preliminary RF, mechanical, and tracking design and installation concepts for the proposed antenna, followed (in a contemplated Phase II effort) with further refinement, fabrication, test, and demonstration in a aeronautically-relevant environment.

Benefit:
ThinKom has already successfully fielded antennas at C, X, Ku, Ka, Q, E, and W bands, including dual-band and wideband variants. Further, ThinKom, alone, and in cooperation with various partners, is developing various SATCOM On-the-Move antenna systems, including pointing and stabilization subsystems, readily adaptable to CDL Line-of-Sight (LOS) needs. Current and potential applications for the particular proposed CDL-variant of the CTS antenna technology, include SATCOM, Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP), Point-to-Point (PTP), and various Asset-Tracking applications where a truly low-cost high-gain low-profile steerable antenna is a strong Commercial enabler.

Keywords:
Antenna, Low Profile, Low Cost, Cdl, Steerable, Ku-Band

The proposed project will enable the realization of a low size, weight, & power directional antenna for CDL. A preliminary design of such a system was shown in the Phase I SBIR. Here, a small CTS (continuous transverse stub) antenna was shown to meet the CDL requirements provided in the original solicitation. A spoiled beam in elevation allows continuous illumination of the ground from directly below the aircraft to 110 NM on the horizon, all while maintaining more than the required gain. No elevation scan is required. This allows for an extremely light weight and low cost gimbal that only needs to move the main antenna beam in azimuth. The design of this unique gimbal was illustrated in the Phase I project. A DTUPC study (for qty 100 units) was included which showed the production cost to be well under the maximum goal. This was validated by a complete list of the parts required for the product, each priced by similarity or actual vendor quotes. The Phase II SBIR will enable completion of the detailed design, procurement and assembly of the entire antenna system, as well as RF, mechanical, and environmental testing. The delivered prototype will include the radome and be suitable for prototype flight testing.

Benefit:
ThinKom has already successfully fielded antennas at C, X, Ku, Ka, Q, E, and W bands, including dual-band and wideband variants. Further, ThinKom, alone, and in cooperation with various partners, is developing various SATCOM On-the-Move antenna systems, including pointing and stabilization subsystems, readily adaptable to CDL Line-of-Sight (LOS) needs. Current and potential applications for the particular proposed CDL-variant of the CTS antenna technology, include SATCOM, Point-to-Multipoint (PTMP), Point-to-Point (PTP), and various Asset-Tracking applications where a truly low-cost high-gain low-profile steerable antenna is a strong commercial enabler.

Keywords:
Antenna, Low Profile, Low Cost, Data Link, Cdl, Steerable, Ku-Band