11 May 2021

ThinKom Solutions has developed a new product variant of its VICTS aero satellite communication antennas, which, it claims, enables more flexible installation choices and allows for smaller distributed and embedded phased-array applications.

The new product variant, which targets government and military beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communication markets, integrates the VICTS antenna, antenna control unit (ACU) and power-supply (PS) electronics into a single low-profile small-footprint package. This eliminates the need for a separate line-replaceable unit (LRU) for the ACU/PS. Further, the unique high-efficiency and low-power characteristics of the VICTS phased array fully eliminate the need for other bulky and power-consuming LRUs, such as power-conditioning units, heat-exchanger units and external RF/power/cooling manifolds.

“This new design is part of our strategy to become the preferred satellite antenna choice for smaller volume-limited and power-limited platforms,” says Bill Milroy, chairman and CTO of ThinKom Solutions.

Another apparent plus is the incorporation of the ACU into the base of the antenna does not result in any increase in mounting footprint and maintains the antenna’s highly favoured low-profile characteristics. The antenna measures less than 9cm in total height, while retaining the flight-proven, high-reliability design and product features for which the VICTS antennas have become known.

ThinKom says an added benefit of the new product variant is enabling the transmit and receive antennas to be co-located or alternatively mounted in remotely separated platform locations. This maximises application flexibility in terms of packaging, weight balance and other airframe and operational considerations.  thinkom.com