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 RFs 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.
Benefit: Unmanned platforms carry critical sensors that must be linked with users across enormous distances necessitating low frequency antennas for improved propagation. However, these antennas are often too large or impractical to be integrated on small platforms. The FIRST RF solution benefits the platform by enabling this critical connectivity by providing a small antenna that supports multiple modes of propagation. The antenna provides a small form-factor with dramatically reduced center of gravity to improve the stability of small platforms. Additionally, FIRST RFs extensive experience in the design, validation, testing and production of low frequency antennas will allow this technology to be rapidly and effectively transitioned onto the candidate platform.
Keywords: ionosonde, ionosonde, Loop antenna, unmanned surface vehicle (USV), Maritime, High Frequency (HF), Tunable, Electrically Small Antenna
