Selex develops lightweight antenna for military communication applications
Selex has developed a new antenna to provide robust, lightweight, on-the-move, high-performance tactical satellite communications to frontline soldiers.
Selex has developed a new antenna to provide robust, lightweight, on-the-move, high-performance tactical satellite communications to frontline soldiers.
The man portable TacSat Razor Antenna weighs around 1kg, and is primarily designed for physically demanding battlefield conditions, while addressing the related radiation hazard standards.
Capable of operating in a hands free mode, the antenna has a maximum 20W power output in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) TacSat band, and can be attached to the side of a standard military rucksack, or be installed on a standard tripod, camera spike or on a vehicle using a magnetic mount.
Environmentally qualified to Mil Std 810-G and IP68 rated for water immersion, the easily deployable antenna can be launched from storage by a simple pull of the strap, and can be withdrawn back into the container by pulling the same strap in the other direction.
In addition, the modular construction of the camera enables easy cleaning and repair on the battlefield.
"The modular construction of the camera enables easy cleaning and repair on the battlefield."
Selex, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, has also launched two new products, including a new ultra-long-range infrared (IR) camera and scientific IR sensor module, at the 2014 SPIE Defence and Security Symposium, currently underway at Baltimore Convention Centre in Baltimore, US.
Horizon HD is a medium wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imaging camera, employing the latest focal plane array technology to address long-range surveillance and target identification requirements.
Scheduled to undergo live demonstrations to highlight continued performance, even at extreme long ranges, the camera also features a new proprietary turbulence mitigation technology that alleviates the effects of heat turbulence on thermal imagery over long distances.
Image: The TacSat Razor Antenna provides robust, lightweight, on-the-move, high-performance tactical satellite communications to soldiers on the battlefield. Photo: © 2013 Selex ES S.p.A - a Finmeccanica company.
