History

Beginning in 1997, TacOps developed a Tri-Band feed and antenna system under a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract with the US Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM). The resultant feed required no mechanical changes for operation in the C, X, and Ku-bands thus providing a simultaneous, multi-band system. For our efforts, TacOps was awarded the Army Phase II Quality Award for 1999 for this development. It is from this basis that our multi-band antenna products have evolved.

The Enabling Technology

The multi-band feed uses TacOps’ patented approach of broadband, coaxial circular waveguide with independent antenna cavities for each band. These cavities are modular and independent of the other cavities and can be configured in various frequency ranges to provide coverage in diverse frequency bands from Commercial L, S, C, Ku, and Ka-bands, and Military X, Ka, and Q-bands. Some of the possible combinations that TacOps has developed include C/Ku, X/Ku/Ka, Ku/Ka, and X/Ka Bands. The C/X/Ku and C/Ku configurations were successfully tested and the Tri-band achieved Intelsat certification in C-band and Ku-band in 2000.

By combining multiple frequency bands into a single feed system, one antenna can now do the job of many. Reduced real estate, reduced O&M costs, and increased frequency flexibility are but a few of the benefits provided by this technology. Frequency diversity on a single antenna system allows cross-banding where operational and environmental requirements allow.

In addition to multiple frequency bands, independent polarization outputs from the same feed can be configured from each band thus providing an antenna system that is easily adapted to the user’s satellite of choice. Satellite systems which support both polarizations can benefit from using a single feed to service both signals, simultaneously.

Multi-band System Applications

This technology can be implemented in a variety of reflector configurations and aperture sizes to meet a wide array of flyaway or fixed applications. In a flyaway configuration, TacOps has developed a C/X/Ku-Band flyaway earth terminal using a 2.4m antenna that is INTELSAT certified for E1 and G and has been successfully tested against DSCS requirements. For fixed site operations, TacOps has fielded a C/Ku system using a 4.9-Meter Antenna. Under an ongoing development contract with the US Army CECOM, TacOps is developing an X/Ka feed for use on a COTS 8.1m antenna that will be used with Wideband Gapfiller Satellite System.

TacOps has also integrated this concept into a system designed for operation aboard Naval vessels. The 2.7-Meter antenna system operated in C and Ku-Band and was mounted on a 3-Axis stabilized platform. An X/Ka configuration is also being fielded to communicate with Australian OPTUS C-A Satellite.

Related Efforts

TacOps is a full service satellite communications system integrator. A Satellite Communications Trailer (SCT) was fielded for the U.S. Army Test and Experimentation Command Fire Support Test Directorate at Fort Sill, OK. which features a rugged, 16-foot, 3.5-ton steel trailer with weatherproof equipment boxes and a non-skid deck with a commercial 2.4-meter pop-up Satellite News Gathering (SNG) antenna system from Andrew integrated for a mobile SATCOM capability.

TacOps has provided several Ku-Band flyaway terminals to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Mobile Emergency Response Support. These terminals included 2.4-Meter flyaway antenna, SATCOM electronics for a complete dual T1 based system with orderwire capability as well. The entire system was packaged for transit in cases that were size and weight limited to allow check in as excess baggage with the airlines, and included wheels to allow the boxes to be wheeled around airport concourses if necessary.

In addition to the multi-band technology, TacOps has experience in various broadband applications. TacOps has developed and supplied equipment for Monopulse Tracking Feeds, Airborne DF Antennas, and Radar Warning Antennas.