Affordable, High-Efficiency, Low-Profile VICTS X-Band Phased Array Antenna for Tactical Aircraft Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-034 Topic Title: Affordable, High-Efficiency, Low-Profile VICTS X-Band Phased Array Antenna for Tactical Aircraft Proposal No.: N051-034-1399 Firm: ThinKom Solutions, Inc. 3825 Del Amo Blvd., Suite 200 Torrance, California 90503 Contact: William Milroy Phone: (310) 371-5486 Web Site: thin-kom.com Abstract: Navy tactical aircraft, (e.g. F/A-18, P-3, EA-6, V-22 and JSF) need high data rate (e.g. T1) over-the-horizon communications for rapid re-targeting, damage assessment reporting, on/off-board sensor fusion, and real-time mission critical communications. The new X-Band SATCOM system, XTAR, is being considered by DOD for such use due to the higher data rates it provides via smaller antennas. These small antenna systems need RHCP and LHCP, to transmit and receive (with sufficient T-R isolation), and 25dBic antenna directivity (or equivalent T/R capabilities) over nearly the entire upper hemisphere, requiring steerable transmit and receive beams. ThinKom will conducted research, trade studies and analysis on ThinKom's highly affordable Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub (VICTS) phased array antenna technology and recommend suitable antenna systems for such tactical aircraft. ThinKom estimates small (approximately 13.5"), low profile (approximately 2") surface mounted VICTS antennas (or cavity mounted for LO) will provide the desired T/R performance up to 70 degrees off zenith. In addition, VICTS antenna systems are physically robust enough to withstand airborne environments, while using low-cost commercial materials and processes. Further, VICTS antenna systems, versus Actively Electronically Scanned Antennas, provide comparable performance with a 60%-70% smaller footprint and an 80%-90% lower cost. Benefits: VICTS antenna designs at Ku-band (10.5 to 14.5 GHz), Ka-band (35 GHz), and W-band (94 GHz) have been reduced to practice. X-band has technical characteristics that make it superior under adverse atmospheric conditions to other satellite frequencies, such as the C and Ku bands. Current and potential exploitations of this VICTS antenna technology include low-cost/high-performance communication, radar, and sensor applications in both the military and commercial marketplaces, such as for mobile (ground, air & sea) DBS reception and Internet access while on the move. Return