Abstract: An adjustable antenna is provided with a linear central support defining a helical axis, and first and second support disks extending radially outward from the central support. The support disks are rotatable around the central support and the second support disk is translatable along the linear central support. An antenna element is coupled to the first and second support disks to define a helical path around the central support between the first and second support disks. An adjustment component is capable of translating one of the first and second support disks along the linear central support and of rotating at least one of the support disks around the central support to change the helical pitch of the antenna element.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for estimating and compensating for gyro bias in gyro-stabilized systems. The method includes comparing an output of a gyroscope to a reference measurement; estimating a bias of the gyroscope based on the comparison using a Kalman filter; and adjusting a control output of the gyro-stabilized system with the estimated bias to maintain a position of the gyro-stabilized system.

Abstract: A stabilization system is provided with at least one sensor to measure and correct orientation of a platform relative to an inertial reference frame. A roll motor is affixed to a platform for pivoting the platform about a roll axis and an elevation motor is configured to rotate the platform about an elevation axis. A rotation motor pivots the platform about an azimuth axis. A control system using the sensor measurements, actuates the roll motor, elevation motor and the rotation motor to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the platform relative to the inertial frame of reference. The rotation motor, the elevation motor and the roll motor are spaced apart from each other along the azimuth axis.

Abstract: A coaxial switch having a housing and a shaft extending through and rotatably mounted to the housing. The shaft extends from opposite ends of the housing. Connector body members are attached to the housing and a support plate is mounted to the shaft. Conductor members are joined to the support plate. Each conductor member has a conductor and is configured to be inserted into a connector body member. The conductors of the conductor members are electrically connected together. When the coaxial switch is engaged, the conductor members are inserted into the connector body members. The coaxial switch becomes disengaged when a force is exerted on the shaft that causes the conductor members to be withdrawn from the connector body members. An axial force-producing mechanism produces a constant axial force on the shaft to maintain the coaxial switch in the engaged state.

Abstract: An antenna radome assembly has a radome base and an annular stationary bearing plate attached to and spaced from the radome base. A rotary joint has a fixed portion attached to the stationary bearing plate and a rotating portion extending through a central opening of the stationary bearing plate. A rotating platform is attached to the rotating portion of the rotary joint. The rotating platform includes a circular recess extending into the rotating platform from a first side. The stationary bearing plate is disposed completely within the circular recess. An annular bearing assembly is disposed within the circular recess between the rotating platform and the stationary bearing plate. The bearing assembly is in contact with the rotating platform and the stationary bearing plate, and the rotating platform rotates with respect to the stationary bearing plate and the radome base.