Abstract: Antennas for transmitting and receiving circularly polarized UHF SATCOM radio signals include a mast which has four circumferentially spaced apart element mounts that protrude radially from the mast, each having a mechanical coupling mechanism holding an electrically conductive tubular antenna element disposed radially from the mast for use and parallel to the mast to minimize the envelope size of the antenna when not in use. Replaceable elements in one version of the antenna have a threaded stud threadably receivable in a threaded socket on the element mount. Each element of a foldable version of the antenna has a tapered support peg which is insertably receivable in a tapered socket in a boss on the element mount and releasably held therewithin by a tensioning spring within the element. Optionally, a fifth conductive element is disposed longitudinally within the mast to transmit and receive linearly polarized radio signals.

Abstract: A man-pack portable, multi-band ultra-high frequency turnstile-type SATCOM radio antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals between terrestrial locations and an orbiting earth satellite includes a cylindrically shaped antenna superstructure base which has an elongated mast extending forward from a front transverse end wall of the base, and circumferentially spaced apart pairs of radiating elements which extend radially outwards from the mast, each opposed pair comprising in combination an electric dipole antenna which is electrically connected via coaxial cables disposed longitudinally through the mast to zero and ninety degree ports of a hybrid antenna matching network located in the base and having an input port electrically connected to a coaxial antenna base connector located in a rear transverse end wall of the base.