Dielectric Lens Antenna for EHF Airborne Satellite Communication Terminals

Abstract

A mechanically-steerable dielectric lens antenna, suitable for installation in an ENF airborne MILSATCOM terminal on high performance aircraft, was designed and tested. The antenna system consists of a six-inch diameter plano/convex lens with a dual frequency feed (43.5-45.5 GHz for the uplink and 20.2-21.2 GHz for the downlink). The measured gain and half-power beamwidths of the antenna system are 35.5 dB and a 3.2 deg. for the uplink (44.5 GHz) and 29.5 dB and 6.0 deg. for the downlink (20.7 GHz), corresponding to overall aperture efficiencies of 71% and 81%, respectively. The first sidelobes are -18 dB for the downlink and -20 dB for the uplink while the corresponding far-out sidelobes are less than -26 dB and -34 dB, respectively, for all angles beyond 18 deg. These characteristics are compatible with a high ECCM capability for an antenna of this size in an aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 16, 1982
Accession Number
ADA113250

Entities

People

  • Joseph C. Lee
  • Walter Rotman

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airborne
  • Aircrafts
  • Antenna Radiation Patterns
  • Antennas
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Communication Systems
  • Communication Terminals
  • Downlinks
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Geometry
  • Lens Antennas
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Satellite Communications
  • Terminals
  • Uplinks

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites