Ka-Band Mechanically Augmented Phased Array (MAPA) Antenna for Ultra Small Aperture Terminal (USAT)

摘要

This paper describes the United States Office of Naval Research (ONR) Ultra Small Aperture Terminal (USAT) project. The objective of this project is to advance the state-of-the-art in 30/20 GHz active phased array antennas and miniaturized frequency convener technologies to support the wideband SATCOM requirements of future mobile vehicle construction. To reduce costs, the ONR USAT project aims to demonstrate these technologies in a Mechanically Augmented Phased Array (MAPA) antenna that uses a combination of mechanical and electronic steerage. The MAPA can provide full hemispherical coverage (zenith to horizon) for one third to one fourth the cost of an equivalent terminal using multiple phased array panels. Furthermore, the cost of installing a single MAPA can be significantly less than the cost of installing multiple phased array panels. A proof-of-concept experiment designed to demonstrate the MAPA USAT's performance is proposed to take place in Italy, using the Italian Space Agency's ITALSAT F1 and/or F2 satellite(s), and a P-3C Orion aircraft outfitted with the MAPA USAT as the mobile test platform.