Abstract: A mechanically scanned reflector antenna system that produces a compact swept diameter and overall height, which is ideally suited for use on the external surface of a high speed mobile platform where a low profile, lightweight antenna is needed. The antenna system includes a main reflector and a subreflector both formed from composite materials. A support assembly includes a pair of arms that cantilever the main reflector forwardly of a base portion of the support assembly such that a portion of the main reflector can be positioned below an upper surface of the base portion. This enables the vertical height of the swept arc of the main reflector to be reduced when the main reflector is rotated about its elevation axis. The assembly provides an even more compact system that can be enclosed within a smaller radome when the system is employed on an external surface of a high speed mobile platform.

Abstract: An antenna exhibiting improved transmission and reception capabilities. The antenna does not make use of a solid support tube or solid support rods used by previous antennas to support a sub-reflector or other device above a main reflector of the antenna. Instead, the antenna employs the use of a low dielectric constant, perforated, support tube to support the sub-reflector, patch antenna, or other form of antenna element above the main reflector. The perforated support tube permits radio frequency signals to pass through the tube, thus decreasing signal degradation experienced due to reflection of the signal off the solid support tube or off the solid support rods.

Abstract: A multi-reflector antenna array capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving communication signals at Ku-band frequencies is mounted on an exterior surface of an aircraft. The antenna array provides four cassegrain reflector antennas mechanically connected together in a group capable of being simultaneously mechanically scanned. A common support structure fixes the antennas with respect to each other. A drive mechanism and directional azimuth and elevation motors control the position of the array. The aerodynamic drag of the array is minimized using four antennas rather than a single large diameter antenna. Each antenna is positioned on a common horizontal centerline. Two centrally located antennas are positioned between two smaller diameter antennas. The antennas and positioning equipment are both mounted for rotation within a radome. A corporate power combiner/divider is provided to adjust both an amplitude and a phase of each antenna signal.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a feedhorn, main reflector, sub-reflector, and frequency selective member. The sub-reflector includes an axially symmetrical reflecting surface. The frequency selective member includes an axially non-symmetrical reflecting surface. The frequency selective member transmits signals having a first frequency from the feedhorn to the sub-reflector. These signals are symmetrically reflected by the sub-reflector to the main reflector. The frequency selective member reflects signals having a second frequency from the main reflector to the feedhorn. These signals are reflected at a small conical angle by the frequency selective member to the feedhorn. In this way, the present transmit/receive system provides coincident transmit and receive signals with only conically scanned receive signals.

Abstract: An antenna exhibiting improved radio frequency transmission and reception capabilities. The antenna does not make use of a solid support tube or solid support rods used by previous antennas to support a sub-reflector or other device above a main reflector of the antenna. Instead, the antenna employs the use of a low dielectric constant, perforated, support tube to support the sub-reflector, patch antenna, or other form of antenna element above the main reflector. The perforated support tube permits radio frequency signals to pass through the tube, thus decreasing signal degradation experienced due to reflection of the signal off the solid support tube or off the solid support rods.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a feedhorn, main reflector, sub-reflector, and frequency selective member. The sub-reflector includes an axially symmetrical reflecting surface. The frequency selective member includes an axially non-symmetrical reflecting surface. The frequency selective member transmits signals having a first frequency from the feedhorn to the sub-reflector. These signals are symmetrically reflected by the sub-reflector to the main reflector. The frequency selective member reflects signals having a second frequency from the main reflector to the feedhorn. These signals are reflected at a small conical angle by the frequency selective member to the feedhorn. In this way, the present transmit/receive system provides coincident transmit and receive signals with only conically scanned receive signals.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic removal of a radome cover may be accomplished by scoring longitudinal recesses 50, preferably at least four, on the inner surface 26 of the cover 18. Explosives cord 38, shaped to preferentially detonate outward, is placed in the recesses 50, and is backed with a backing 48 to prevent damage to the underlying radome 12. Annular explosive cord sections 40 and 42 are placed at the nose 28 and rear end 20 of the radome cover 18. A detonator 34 explodes all cords simultaneously.