AIRBORNE
Tuned, low profile and conformal antennas
LAND
Ground based, vehicle mounted and manpack antennas
SPECIALIST
High Performance custom designed antennas
ASSOCIATED TECHNOLOGIES
Direction Finding, Avionics, GPS, Jamming, TETRA
Cobham Antenna SystemsAntenna capabilities and solutions
The most important thing we build is trust
Cover image courtesy of AgustaWestland
Experience You Can Trust
Cobham Antenna Systems’ pioneering spirit, breadth of capability and worldwide reputation for quality and reliability have made it a world leader in the design and manufacture of communications and navigation antennas and subsystems that enable people to communicate and navigate on land, at sea and in the air.
With more than six decades of antenna design experience,
Cobham Antenna Systems leads the industry in the design of
tuned, low profile and conformal airborne antennas as well as
rugged, reliable and high performance land based antennas.
RF devices closely associated with the antenna solutions include
couplers, combiners, filters, diplexers, attenuators, LNAs and HPAs.
The antenna products are complemented by a range of RF
and digital subsystems that meet the increasing demand for
communications on the move. These associated products include
direction finding systems, avionics subsystems, interference
cancellation and airborne TETRA radio systems.
As part of Cobham plc, a global aerospace and defence company,
Cobham Antenna Systems has the scale to support continual
development of their own market leading products as well as
partnerships with other companies within the Cobham group to
further enhance their capabilities.
Cobham Antenna Systems offer a complete design to supply
solution for innovative antenna systems covering a broad range
of civil and military applications at operating frequencies ranging
from HF through to microwave.
With its great wealth of experience and a forward thinking approach
Cobham Antenna Systems is able to match the antenna solution to the
customer’s requirement. In many cases an off the shelf solution can
be provided from the existing broad product range. Alternatively an
adaptation of an existing product can be provided, giving the assurance
of a proven and reliable solution that is tailored to meet the needs of the
customer.
If a solution is not already available then the company’s team of
experienced design engineers will collaborate with the customer to
develop a new product that will deliver the capabilities required.
The company is constantly looking to the future and developing its
own innovative and cutting edge solutions to meet the increasing
demands of the latest communications systems. Products meet exacting
requirements to enable dependable communications, navigation and
jamming from troops on the ground to supersonic aircraft in the sky,
improving operational effectiveness to ensure mission success.
1 Conformal and low profile antenna on Eurofighter Typhoon
2 Terrestrial & SATCOM communications and interference mitigation on light armoured vehicles
5 Satellite communications, navigation and TCAS on Embraer Legacy
3 Full antenna and DF suite on AW101
4 Manpack and bodyworn antennas
MAIN COVER IMAGE
Cobham’s antennas are integral to the operation of military and civil aircraft, including the AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter
1 43
2 5
Supersonic TCAS for Concorde Fire Control Radar on Apache Longbow Broadband communications for armoured vehicles
Image courtesy of US Army, Spc. Scott DavisImage courtesy of AgustaWestlandImage courtesy of Sławek Krajniewski
Image courtesy of Alex Christie Image courtesy of AgustaWestland Image courtesy of wallpaperbase.com
Design Prototype Manufacture
Product Development Life Cycle
Cobham Antenna Systems possesses the full range of capabilities required to take the customer’s antenna requirement from a concept all the way through to a manufactured solution.
All of the companies within the Cobham group
manage their development projects using
a structured Life Cycle Management (LCM)
framework to ensure the development is
of the highest quality and efficiency.
At Cobham Antenna Systems the
development life cycle will include one
or more of the following elements.
Solution Conceptualisation
Performance Verification
Cobham Antenna Systems has a major
investment in facilities and personnel to
support the rapid prototyping of products
in development. Technicians are highly skilled
in the assembly of PCBs and cable assemblies,
and the capability of the prototyping team
is enhanced by the ability to link the computer
generated 3D solid model of the product
to automated CNC milling machines to
enable fast and accurate prototyping of
complex objects.
The company’s materials specialists provide
expertise in the selection and processing of
materials, ensuring the properties are tailored
for optimum product performance.
Modelling and Simulation
The ability to predict antenna performance
through computer simulation accelerates the
product development process by reducing
physical prototype iterations, enabling
development of the most efficient and cost
effective solutions.
The product is developed using the latest
3D design software to create a model which
can then be used for further electrical
and mechanical analysis. The mechanical
properties of this model can be analysed
using techniques such as Computational Fluid
Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis to verify
the aerodynamic performance and structural
integrity of the design at an early stage.
Cobham’s world leading RF design team
use their vast experience as well as a
comprehensive set of computer modelling
tools to reliably predict the antenna’s electrical
performance.. Techniques such as Method
of Moments, Finite Elements and Finite
Difference Time Domain are used to determine
aspects of the antenna performance such
as radiation pattern, antenna port matching,
Radar Cross Section (RCS) and On Platform
Installed Performance.
Antenna Prototyping
The design team benefits from hundreds of
man years of experience gained from the
successful development of thousands of
products that span across a broad spectrum
of platforms. They have a deep understanding
of how the equipment will be used and how
to optimise its performance for the particular
environment it will be operated in, giving the
customer peace of mind that their problem is
understood. In conjunction with its technology
leading research Cobham is able to create
an antenna concept which best matches the
customer requirement.
Each design is engineered to operate and survive
in its native and often hostile environment.
The mechanical and electrical performance
of the product is verified using the company’s
in-house test facilities which include multiple
anechoic chambers, two free space test ranges,
and a range of environmental test chambers.
From an RF perspective, parameters such as
radiation pattern performance and gain and
impedance matching are tested to validate the
actual operating specification.
Mechanically, a full suite of environmental test
facilities are available to measure the product’s
performance against factors such as vibration
and shock, lightning, humidity, temperature etc.
Qualification and Certification
This comprehensive suite of tests verifies the
high performance of Cobham’s products and
gives the customer the satisfaction that their
specification has been met.
Cobham’s equipment and systems are so highly
depended upon that precision and reliability
cannot be compromised. Cobham Antenna
Systems qualifies its products to a range of
civil and military standards such as DO-160 and
MIL-STD-810. The company’s approved design
and production procedures enable ETSO, TSO
and UK Civil Aviation Authority equipment
approvals to be obtained under the following
authorisations; EASA PART 21 G, EASA PART
145, EASA AP DOA and UK CAA BCAR Design
Approval. The company also holds approval
to ISO 9001, AS9100 and UK Military Aviation
Authority DAOS requirements.
Pre-ProductionFollowing prototyping and design verification
the antenna moves into the pre-production
area where low rate initial production (LRIP)
is carried out. The production process is
closely controlled and the assembly method
is optimised to ensure robustness and quality.
Specialised tooling is developed to further
improve efficiency and consistency before the
antenna moves into full scale production.
Production
The antenna migrates to the main production
area for series manufacturing. Cobham utilises
modern techniques in production including
cellular manufacturing with flexible production
cells, each with highly skilled and experienced
production personnel conforming to rigorous
quality assurance procedures to ensure
products are built to the highest of standards.
Regardless of the manufacturing quantities, the
precise tolerances demanded by the aerospace and
defence markets are most rigorously controlled.
Strict compliance checks and function tests
are conducted on every finished antenna to
guarantee that they perform to the world
leading standard that is expected from Cobham.
Advanced Products with Proven Performance
Air Collision AvoidanceSystem (ACAS)The low profile ACAS antenna was developed
for Rockwell Collins in support of the latest
Boeing 787 civil airliner, incorporating a
phased array with both directional and omni-
directional transmit and receive modes.
Rugged MUOS AntennaTo provide effective and robust
communications on complex vehicle
platforms, a ruggedised ground plane
independent UHF SATCOM antenna was
developed for use on marine platforms and
future fighting vehicles.
Tuneable AntennaA tuneable antenna providing maximum gain
performance for minimum size was developed
for the frequency hopping radios aboard the
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
UAVCommunication and Navigation antennas for
Northrop Grumman Fire Scout UAV.
Conformal UHFSATCOM AntennaThe conformal UHF SATCOM antenna fitted
in the nose cone in front of the cockpit of the
McDonnell Douglas F15E Strike Eagle.
Nose Cone Radome and AntennaCombined radar nose cone with integral
navigation antenna, together with a comms
& navigation suite.
Anti-Jam GPSThe Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna
(CRPA) and Digital Antenna Control Unit
(DACU) provide an anti-jam GPS system to the
AgustaWestland 159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.
Multi Function AntennaA manpack antenna incorporating a broadband
communications antenna with an integrated
L1, L2 GPS element provides effective
communications and navigation ability whilst
reducing the weight and footprint of the
systems carried by personnel on the ground.
Just some of the many platforms on which Cobham Antenna Systems antennas are utilised:
Just some of the many platforms on which Cobham Antenna Systems antennas are utilised:
Civil Aircraft
Boeing
Airbus
Embraer
Dassault
Gulfstream
Bombardier
Pilatus
CAC
Armoured Vehicles
MRAP
LAV-C2
Challenger 2
Bushmaster
Rooikat 101
Warrior
Landrover
Abrams
Transport/Tankers
A400M
C130
C27J
A330 (FSTA/MRTT)
Erieye
C295
Nimrod
C17
UAVs
WatchkeeperFire Scout
Global HawkPredatorMantisReaperMALE
TaranisX-48B
Fast Jets
Typhoon
F15
Grippen SAAB
Rafale
Tornado
F-16
Mirage
SU-30
Trainers
T-50
Hawk
M346
Super Tucano
T-6B
Falcon
KT-1
PC-9
Helicopters
Eurocopter
AgustaWestland
Sikorsky
Boeing
TAI
KAI
MHI
Bell
Infantry Programmes
Bowman
STARS V
WIN-T
Clansman
MTBR
Falcon
JP2072
Grintek
Image courtesy of Ben Wang
Image courtesy of Visualintel
Image courtesy of US Army, Pfc. Jared S. Eastman
Image courtesy of U.S. Air Force, Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon
Image courtesy AgustaWestland
The information herein may be subject to change without notice and must not be taken as establishing any commitment binding upon Cobham Antenna Systems. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. All photography is copyright and is used with thanks to the respective owners.
Designed and produced in England by Generator (Creative Energy) Ltd – Telephone: +44 (0)1425 651951 e-mail: [email protected]
For further information please contact:
Cobham Antenna Systems The Cobham Centre Fourth Avenue, MarlowBuckinghamshire, SL7 1TFEngland
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 472 072Fax: +44 (0) 1628 482 255E-mail: [email protected]
Cobham Antenna Systems 1955 Lakeway DriveSuite 200LewisvilleTX 75057USA
Tel: +1 972 221 1783Fax: +1 972 436 2716
This paper contains 50% recycled fibres and is bleached in a totally chlorine free process. The virgin fibre content of this paper is elemental chlorine free and comes from managed forests.
www.cobham.com/antennasystems
CO
BH
AM
ANTENNA SYSTEMS
Designed to the highest specification
Critical and efficient communications
Control links and robotics
Antennas used worldwide on all types of unmanned airborne vehicles and target drones
Cobham Antenna Systems
The most important thing we build is trust
Antennas for Unmanned SystemsData Links, Control Links, Robotics
Microwave Antennas
Designed and produced in England by Generator (Creative Energy) Ltd – Telephone: +44 (0)1425 651951 e-mail: [email protected] Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. All photography is copyright and is used with thanks to the respective owners.
www.cobham.com/antennasystems
For further information please contact:
Cobham Antenna Systems, North America 1955 Lakeway DriveSuite 200LewisvilleTexas, 75057USA
Tel: +1 972 221 1783Fax: +1 972 436 2716
This paper contains 50% recycled fibres and is bleached in a totally chlorine free process. The virgin fibre content of this paper is elemental chlorine free and comes from managed forests.
Cobham Antenna Systems, Rest of the World The Cobham CentreFourth AvenueMarlowBuckinghamshire, SL7 1TFEngland
Tel: +44 (0)1438 768800Fax: +44 (0)1438 768822
NAVAL AW101 SAR AW101 SUPER LYNX
The most important thing we build is trust
RAF SEA KING
Features 935 931 933 System 7
Frequency Range Operation
30 - 88MHz • • •88 - 118MHz • • •
118 - 243MHz • • • •225 - 407MHz • • • •400 - 470MHz • •
Integrated Receivers
30 - 407MHz •121.5MHz Guard • •
156.525MHz (CH70) Guard • •156.800MHz (CH16) Guard • •
243MHz Guard • •406MHz • •
Specific Functions
CSAR •COSPAS-SARSAT Decoding • •GMDSS VHF DSC Decoding •
Interface Options
RS 422 • • •ARINC 407 • •ARINC 429 • • • •
MIL STD 1553B •Left/Right Output Options • • •
Installation Details
Antenna Overall Diameter 286mm 286mm 286mm 192mm
Antenna Height above Airframe 90mm 90mm 90mm 114mm
Antenna Penetration 75mm 75mm 75mm 75mm
Controller/Display Size 68x147x182mm 36x82 x113mm 64x80 x115mm
Configuration Capability
Pho
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Direction Finding Systems Cobham Antenna Systems
COB_M04_DF_Brochure_4pp.indd 1-2 5/10/09 16:14:04
VOICE & DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Extensive range of in-service antennas
SITUATION AWARENESS
Combined communications and GPS antennas for flexible voice/data communications
LONG RANGE COMMUNICATIONS ON THE MOVE
Including HF & UHF SATCOM
JAMMING/IED PROTECTION
Wide range of high power, broadband, high performance vehicle antennas
Vehicle Communications and Jamming Antennas Cobham Antenna Systems
The most important thing we build is trust
COB_M09_Vehicle_Antenna_4pp.indd 1 11/8/10 09:57:51
JAMMING/IED PROTECTION
Wide range of high power, broadband, high performance manpack antennas
SITUATION AWARENESS
Combined communications and GPS antennas for flexible voice/data communications
COMMUNICATIONS ON THE MOVE
Range of broadband, multi-band and narrow band antennas
VOICE COMMUNICATIONS
Extensive range of in-service antennas
Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas Cobham Antenna Systems
The most important thing we build is trust
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COB_M09_Manpack_Antenna_4pp.indd1 1 5/10/09 16:04:08
Cover image © Tony Printezis
MILITARY AIRCRAFT
SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT
CIVIL AIRCRAFT
ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT
Dischargers for all airborne applications Cobham Antenna Systems
The most important thing we build is trust
COB_M09_Static_Discharger_4pp.indd 1 15/10/10 11:22:21
Airborne TETRA Radio Installations Cobham Antenna Systems
POLICE AIR SUPPORT UNITS
Communications are enchanced by Cobham’s TETRA
AIR AMBULANCES
Benefit from TETRA’s flexible communications
MILITARY USERS
End to End encryption is available to provide enhanced security
COASTGUARD RESCUE
Cobham TETRA allows the emergency services to talk to each other, reliably and securely
The most important thing we build is trust
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COB_M09_TETRA_4pp_Jul-09.indd 1 6/10/09 11:08:10
The following capability brochures are also available by request:
Microwave Antennas
Coaxial Cable Assemblies
Direction Finding Systems
Vehicle Communications and Jamming Antennas
Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas
Rotating Microwave Sub-Systems
Dischargers for all airborne applications
Airborne TETRA Radio Installations
The most important thing we build is trust
AS 10/11
