Dielectric Lens Antenna for EHF Airborne Satellite Communication Terminals

摘要

A mechanically-steerable dielectric lens antenna, suitable for installation in an ENF airborne MILSATCOM terminal on high performance aircraft, was designed and tested. The antenna system consists of a six-inch diameter plano/convex lens with a dual frequency feed (43.5-45.5 GHz for the uplink and 20.2-21.2 GHz for the downlink). The measured gain and half-power beamwidths of the antenna system are 35.5 dB and a 3.2 deg. for the uplink (44.5 GHz) and 29.5 dB and 6.0 deg. for the downlink (20.7 GHz), corresponding to overall aperture efficiencies of 71% and 81%, respectively. The first sidelobes are -18 dB for the downlink and -20 dB for the uplink while the corresponding far-out sidelobes are less than -26 dB and -34 dB, respectively, for all angles beyond 18 deg. These characteristics are compatible with a high ECCM capability for an antenna of this size in an aircraft. (Author)