DEVELOPMENT OF HEATED COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS.
Abstract
Methods to reduce communications antenna icing were investigated. As a result of the investigation a new high-gain UHF antenna was developed and electrical heating elements have been developed for application to swastika and disc-cone antennas presently in use. A brief history of the antenna icing problem is included in this report. The electrical heating elements developed for application to presently used antennas are made of silicone rubber. They are relatively inexpensive and do not affect the radiation pattern or radiation impedance of the antenna. Three different types of heaters are available for application to swastika and disc-cone type antennas which experience severe icing problems in many locations. They have been field tested and found to be effective in reducing the formation of ice on the antennas. The new high-gain UHF antenna has heating elements imbedded in a fiber-glass radome. It also utilizes vertical radiation pattern compression with a slight beam uptilt to increase coverage. This antenna has also been field tested and found to be effective in preventing antenna icing and in providing improved coverage. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0650916
Entities
People
- Ellis E. Shafer
- Oscar T. Grann