Phased array antenna for satellite communications to small tactical platforms

This paper details a phased array antenna designed for satellite communications (satcom) to moving platforms. This antenna could potentially form a core component of a satcom system that would provide future deep battle assets with a greatly enhanced beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications (comms) capability. The paper reviews the military need for this technology. The design objectives of the development programme are given along with a description of antenna design, the stabilised antenna pointing control system, and the integrated terminal architecture. The current and planned development programmes are discussed, in addition to possible production timescales and other potential application areas such as high altitude platforms