Abstract: A coaxial feed for multiband antenna for a multiband antenna includes: a tubular high-band (HB) waveguide, the HB waveguide including an outer conducting surface, an inner HB conducting surface, and a HB aperture defined by the inner HB conducting surface; a tubular low-band (LB) waveguide disposed coaxially around the HB waveguide, the LB waveguide including an outer feed surface, an inner LB conducting surface, and an annular LB aperture defined by the inner LB conducing surface and the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide; and an annular high-band (HB) choke located in the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide, the HB choke being axially offset from the HB aperture.

Abstract: A multiple-feed antenna system includes a first feed configured to communicate signals in a first frequency range of a plurality of frequency ranges and a second feed configured to communicate signals in a second frequency range of the plurality of frequency ranges. A subreflector assembly is configured to move among multiple positions that include a first position and a second position. When the subreflector assembly is in the first position, a first element of the subreflector assembly redirects a signal reflected by a primary reflector to the first feed. When the subreflector assembly is in the second position, a second element of the subreflector assembly redirects the signal reflected by the primary reflector to the second feed.

Abstract: A coaxial feed for multiband antenna for a multiband antenna includes: a tubular high-band (HB) waveguide, the HB waveguide including an outer conducting surface, an inner HB conducting surface, and a HB aperture defined by the inner HB conducting surface; a tubular low-band (LB) waveguide disposed coaxially around the HB waveguide, the LB waveguide including an outer feed surface, an inner LB conducting surface, and an annular LB aperture defined by the inner LB conducing surface and the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide; and an annular high-band (HB) choke located in the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide, the HB choke being axially offset from the HB aperture.

Abstract: The antenna system and the method receive signals having radio frequencies in a plurality of radio frequency bands. The antenna system includes a support assembly, a primary reflector that is coupled to the support assembly, a feed assembly that is movably coupled to the support assembly, and a first feed and a second feed fixedly coupled to the feed assembly. The first feed and the second feed are configured to communicate RF signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, respectively, of the plurality of frequency bands. The antenna system also includes a first actuator that is configured to move the feed assembly from a first feed assembly position, where the first feed is positioned along a first signal path with the primary reflector, to a second feed assembly position, where the second feed is positioned along a second signal path with the primary reflector.

Abstract: A dual-polarized antenna array for a one-dimensional (1D) active electronically steerable array (AESA) includes first and second arrays of open-ended waveguide elements interleaved with one another, each array including a plurality of corporate networks extending transverse to a scan plane SP and having a series of the elements spaced transversely of the scan plane, and wherein each of element is coupled to a respective corporate network by a waveguide twist and oriented oblique to the scan plane. The waveguide elements of one array are oriented orthogonal to the waveguide elements of the other array.

Abstract: A hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is configured to facilitate simultaneous multibeam operation with first and second satellites. The hybrid antenna system includes a pedestal having a base and a support pivotally mounted with respect to the base about a first axis, a one-dimensional active electronically scanned array (AESA) configured to scan along a scanning plane and rotatably mounted on the support about a skew axis, and a skew positioner configured to rotate the AESA about the skew axis for aligning the scanning plane with the first and second satellites to facilitate the simultaneous multibeam operation with the first and second satellites. A method of using the hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple-feed antenna system includes a first feed configured to communicate signals in a first frequency range of a plurality of frequency ranges and a second feed configured to communicate signals in a second frequency range of the plurality of frequency ranges. A subreflector assembly is configured to move among multiple positions that include a first position and a second position. When the subreflector assembly is in the first position, a first element of the subreflector assembly redirects a signal reflected by a primary reflector to the first feed. When the subreflector assembly is in the second position, a second element of the subreflector assembly redirects the signal reflected by the primary reflector to the second feed.

Abstract: A coaxial feed for multiband antenna for a multiband antenna includes: a tubular high-band (HB) waveguide, the HB waveguide including an outer conducting surface, an inner HB conducting surface, and a HB aperture defined by the inner HB conducting surface; a tubular low-band (LB) waveguide disposed coaxially around the HB waveguide, the LB waveguide including an outer feed surface, an inner LB conducting surface, and an annular LB aperture defined by the inner LB conducing surface and the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide; and an annular high-band (HB) choke located in the outer conducting surface of the HB waveguide, the HB choke being axially offset from the HB aperture.

Abstract: A modular three-axes antenna pedestal includes: an azimuth frame rotatably mounted about an azimuth axis, the azimuth frame having an azimuth beam and a post releasably mounted to the azimuth beam; an azimuth driver rotating the azimuth frame about the azimuth axis; a cross-level frame pivotally mounted on the azimuth frame to pivot about a cross-level axis; a cross-level driver pivoting the cross-level frame relative to the azimuth frame; an elevation frame supporting a tracking antenna, the elevation frame being pivotally mounted on the cross-level frame to pivot about an elevation axis; and an elevation driver pivoting the elevation frame relative to the cross-level frame. A method of using the modular three-axes antenna pedestal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-polarized antenna array for a one-dimensional (1D) active electronically steerable array (AESA) includes first and second arrays of open-ended waveguide elements interleaved with one another, each array including a plurality of corporate networks extending transverse to a scan plane SP and having a series of the elements spaced transversely of the scan plane, and wherein each of element is coupled to a respective corporate network by a waveguide twist and oriented oblique to the scan plane. The waveguide elements of one array are oriented orthogonal to the waveguide elements of the other array.

Abstract: A multiple-feed antenna system includes a primary reflector that directs signals along a primary RF signal path and a movable subreflector assembly. When the subreflector assembly is in a first position, a first subreflector element of the subreflector assembly redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a first RF signal path and a second subreflector element of the subreflector assembly does not intersect the primary RF signal path. When the subreflector assembly is in a second position, the second subreflector element redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a second RF signal path and the first subreflector element does not intersect the primary RF signal path. The antenna system includes a first feed of the antenna system intersects the first RF signal path, a second feed that intersects the second RF signal path, and an actuator that moves the subreflector assembly.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a first drive assembly configured to rotate a vertical support assembly relative to a base assembly about a first axis, a second drive assembly configured to pivot a level frame assembly relative to the vertical support assembly about a second axis, and a third drive assembly configured to pivot an elevation frame assembly relative to the level frame assembly about a third axis. The antenna system additionally includes a primary antenna and a secondary antenna affixed relative to the level frame assembly and a control unit configured for: selecting operation of a selected one of the primary and secondary antennas, determining a position of the elevation frame assembly based upon sensed motion about said the first, second, and third axes, and controlling one or more of the first, second, and third drive assemblies to alter the position the selected one of the primary and secondary antennas.

Abstract: A hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is configured to facilitate simultaneous multibeam operation with first and second satellites. The hybrid antenna system includes a pedestal having a base and a support pivotally mounted with respect to the base about a first axis, a one-dimensional active electronically scanned array (AESA) configured to scan along a scanning plane and rotatably mounted on the support about a skew axis, and a skew positioner configured to rotate the AESA about the skew axis for aligning the scanning plane with the first and second satellites to facilitate the simultaneous multibeam operation with the first and second satellites. A method of using the hybrid antenna having an active array on a tracking pedestal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a multiple-feed antenna are described. The multiple-feed antenna includes a primary reflector that directs signals along a primary RF signal path and a subreflector assembly that rotates between a first position and a second position. When the subreflector assembly is in a first position, a first subreflector element of the subreflector assembly redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a first RF signal path. When the subreflector assembly is in a second position, the second subreflector element redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a second RF signal path. The antenna system includes a first feed that intersects the first RF signal path, a second feed that intersects the second RF signal path, and an actuator that moves the subreflector assembly.

Abstract: A modular three-axes antenna pedestal includes: an azimuth frame rotatably mounted about an azimuth axis, the azimuth frame having an azimuth beam and a post releasably mounted to the azimuth beam; an azimuth driver rotating the azimuth frame about the azimuth axis; a cross-level frame pivotally mounted on the azimuth frame to pivot about a cross-level axis; a cross-level driver pivoting the cross-level frame relative to the azimuth frame; an elevation frame supporting a tracking antenna, the elevation frame being pivotally mounted on the cross-level frame to pivot about an elevation axis; and an elevation driver pivoting the elevation frame relative to the cross-level frame. A method of using the modular three-axes antenna pedestal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking antenna system for discrete radio frequency spectrums includes a reflector, a pedestal supporting the reflector, a radome assembly enclosing both, a first feed for gathering radio waves within a first of discrete RF spectrums that is removably disposed in front of the reflector at the focal point, a first RF module operably connected to the first feed for converting the first gathered radio waves to first electronic signals, a feed mount for removably supporting the first feed and configured to removably support a second feed for gathering radio waves within a second of discrete RF spectrums, and a module mount for removably supporting the first RF module and configured to removably support a second RF module for converting the second radio waves to second electronic signals. A method of using the tracking antenna system adaptable for discrete radio frequency spectrums is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracking antenna system for use in a plurality of discrete radio frequency (RF) spectrums includes a stabilized antenna support configured to direct and maintain the antenna in alignment with a communications satellite; a reflector mounted on the stabilized antenna support, the reflector reflecting radio waves along a first RF path; a first feed for gathering radio waves within a first of the discrete RF spectrums traveling from the reflector; a sub-reflector movable between first and second positions, the first position outside the first RF path and the second position in the first RF path to redirect radio waves traveling from the reflector along the first RF path to a second RF path; a second feed for gathering radio waves within a second of the discrete RF spectrums redirected along the second RF path; and an actuator for moving the sub-reflector between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A multiple-feed antenna system includes a primary reflector that directs signals along a primary RF signal path and a subreflector assembly movable between a first position and a second position. When the subreflector assembly is in the first position, the subreflector assembly redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a first RF signal path. When the subreflector assembly is in the second position, the subreflector assembly redirects signals traveling along the primary RF signal path to a second RF signal path. The multiple-feed antenna system further includes: a first feed that intersects the first RF signal path and that communicates signals within a first frequency range; a second feed that intersects the second RF signal path and that communicates signals within a second frequency range; and an actuator that moves the subreflector assembly to the first position and to the second position.

Abstract: A rotationally-stabilizing tracking antenna system includes a three-axis pedestal, a drive assembly rotating a vertical support assembly relative to a base assembly, a cross-level driver pivoting a cross-level frame assembly relative to the vertical support assembly, and an elevation driver pivoting an elevation frame assembly relative to the cross-level frame assembly, a motion platform assembly affixed to the elevation frame assembly, three orthogonally mounted angular rate sensors disposed on the motion platform assembly sensing motion about X, Y and Z axes, a three-axis gravity accelerometer mounted on the motion platform assembly to determine a true-gravity zero reference, and a control unit determining the actual position of elevation frame assembly based upon sensed motion about X, Y, and Z axes and the true-gravity zero reference, and controlling the azimuth, cross-level and elevation drivers to position the elevation frame assembly in a desired position.

Abstract: A tracking antenna system for discrete radio frequency spectrums includes a reflector, a pedestal supporting the reflector, a radome assembly enclosing both, a first feed for gathering radio waves within a first of discrete RF spectrums that is removably disposed in front of the reflector at the focal point, a first RF module operably connected to the first feed for converting the first gathered radio waves to first electronic signals, a feed mount for removably supporting the first feed and configured to removably support a second feed for gathering radio waves within a second of discrete RF spectrums, and a module mount for removably supporting the first RF module and configured to removably support a second RF module for converting the second radio waves to second electronic signals. A method of using the tracking antenna system adaptable for discrete radio frequency spectrums is also disclosed.