Cobham Antenna Systems

Cobham Antenna Systems
Antenna capabilities and solutions
The most important thing we build is trust
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
Cover image courtesy of AgustaWestland

Experience You Can Trust
MAIN COVER IMAGE
Cobham’s antennas are integral to the operation
of military and civil aircraft, including the
AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter
1 Conformal and low
profile antenna on
Eurofighter Typhoon
2 Terrestrial & SATCOM communications
and interference mitigation on light
armoured vehicles
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.
1
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.
2
Image courtesy of Sławek Krajniewski

Image courtesy of Alex Christie Image courtesy of AgustaWestland Image courtesy of wallpaperbase.com
Supersonic TCAS for Concorde Fire Control Radar on Apache Longbow Broadband communications for armoured vehicles
3 Full antenna and DF
suite on AW101
4 Manpack and
bodyworn antennas
5 Satellite communications,
navigation and TCAS on
Embraer Legacy
3
4
Image courtesy of AgustaWestland
Image courtesy of US Army, Spc. Scott Davis
5
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.

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
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.
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
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.

Design Prototype Manufacture
Performance Verification
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.
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.
Qualification and Certification
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-Production
Following 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
Just some of the many platforms
on which Cobham Antenna
Systems antennas are utilised:
Air Collision Avoidance
System (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 omnidirectional
transmit and receive modes.
Image courtesy of Ben Wang
Civil Aircraft
Boeing
Airbus
Embraer
Dassault
Gulfstream
Bombardier
Pilatus
CAC
Rugged MUOS Antenna
To 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.
Image courtesy of Visualintel
Armoured Vehicles
MRAP
LAV-C2
Challenger 2
Bushmaster
Rooikat 101
Warrior
Landrover
Abrams
Tuneable Antenna
A tuneable antenna providing maximum gain
performance for minimum size was developed
for the frequency hopping radios aboard the
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Image courtesy of US Army, Pfc. Jared S. Eastman
Transport/Tankers
A400M
C130
C27J
A330 (FSTA/MRTT)
Erieye
C295
Nimrod
C17
UAV
Communication and Navigation antennas for
Northrop Grumman Fire Scout UAV.
UAVs
Watchkeeper
Fire Scout
Global Hawk
Predator
Mantis
Reaper
MALE
Taranis
X-48B

Just some of the many platforms
on which Cobham Antenna
Systems antennas are utilised:
Conformal UHF
SATCOM Antenna
The conformal UHF SATCOM antenna fitted
in the nose cone in front of the cockpit of the
McDonnell Douglas F15E Strike Eagle.
Image courtesy of U.S. Air Force,
Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon
Fast Jets
Typhoon
F15
Grippen SAAB
Rafale
Tornado
F-16
Mirage
SU-30
Nose Cone Radome
and Antenna
Combined radar nose cone with integral
navigation antenna, together with a comms
& navigation suite.
Trainers
T-50
Hawk
M346
Super Tucano
T-6B
Falcon
KT-1
PC-9
Anti-Jam GPS
The Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna
(CRPA) and Digital Antenna Control Unit
(DACU) provide an anti-jam GPS system to the
AgustaWestland 159 Lynx Wildcat helicopter.
Image courtesy AgustaWestland
Helicopters
Eurocopter
AgustaWestland
Sikorsky
Boeing
TAI
KAI
MHI
Bell
Multi Function Antenna
A manpack antenna incorporating a broadband
communications antenna with an integrated
L 1 , L 2 GPS element provides effective
communications and navigation ability whilst
reducing the weight and footprint of the
systems carried by personnel on the ground.
Infantry Programmes
Bowman
STARS V
WIN-T
Clansman
MTBR
Falcon
JP2072
Grintek

Cobham Antenna Systems
MILITARY
AIRCRAFT
SUPERSONIC
AIRCRAFT
CIVIL
AIRCRAFT
Designed and produced in England by Generator (Creative Energy) Ltd – Telephone: +44 (0)1425 651951 e-mail: info@generator.uk.com
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.
ROTARY WING
AIRCRAFT
Cover image © Tony Printezis
COB_M09_Static_Discharger_4pp.indd 1 15/10/10 11:22:21
Cobham Antenna Systems
POLICE AIR
SUPPORT UNITS
Communications are
enchanced by Cobham’s
TETRA
AIR AMBULANCES
Benefit from TETRA’s
flexible communications
MILITA R Y 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
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
Cobham Antenna Systems
NAVAL AW101 SAR AW101 SUPER LYNX
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5/10/09 16:14:04
VOICE & DATA
COMMUNICATIONS
Extensive range of
in-service antennas
SI T UAT IO N
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
COB_M09_Vehicle_Antenna_4pp.indd 1 11/8/10 09:57:51
RAF SEA KING
The most important thing we build is trust
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
JAMMING/IED
PROTECTION
Wide range of high
power, broadband,
high performance
manpack antennas
SI T UAT IO N
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
COB_M09_Manpack_Antenna_4pp.indd1 1 5/10/09 16:04:08
The most important thing we build is trust
The following capability brochures are also available by request:
Dischargers for all airborne applications
Vehicle Communications and Jamming Antennas
Cobham Antenna Systems
Microwave Antennas
Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas
Antennas for Unmanned Systems
Data Links, Control Links, Robotics
The most important thing we build is trust
The most important thing we build is trust
The most important thing we build is trust
Cover image © Crown Copyright/MOD 2004
Dischargers for all airborne applications
Vehicle Communications and
Jamming Antennas
Microwave Antennas
Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas
Airborne TETRA Radio Installations
Direction Finding Systems
The most important thing we build is trust
Features 935 931 933 System 7
Frequency Range Operation
Integrated Receivers
30-407MHz
Specific Functions
Interface Options
Installation Details
Antenna Overall Diameter 286mm 286mm 286mm 192m m
Antenna Height above Airframe 90mm 90mm 90mm 11 4 m m
Antenna Penetration 75mm 75mm 75mm 75mm
Controller/Display Size 68x147x182mm 36x82 x113 m m 64x80 x11 5 m m
Configuration Capability
30 - 88MHz • • •
88-118MHz • • •
11 8-243MHz • • • •
225-407MHz • • • •
400-470MHz • •
•
121.5MHz Guard • •
156.525MHz (CH70) Guard • •
156.800MHz (CH16) Guard • •
243MHz Guard • •
406MHz • •
CSAR •
COS PA S-SARSAT Decoding • •
GMDSS VHF DSC Decoding •
RS 422 • • •
ARINC 407 • •
ARINC 429 • • • •
MIL STD 1553B •
Left/Right Output Options • • •
The most important thing we build is trust
For further information please contact:
Cobham Antenna Systems, North America Cobham Antenna Systems, Rest of the World
1955 Lakeway Drive
The Cobham Centre
Suite 200
Fourth Avenue
Lewisville
Marlow
Texas, 75057
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1TF
USA
England
Tel: +1 972 221 1783
Tel: +44 (0)1438 768800
Fax: +1 972 436 2716
Fax: +44 (0)1438 768822
antennasystems.marlowmarketing@cobham.com
www.cobham.com/antennasystems
Cover image © RotorImage
Photographs courtesy of Agusta Westland
Rotating Microwave Sub-Systems
Coaxial Cable Assemblies
Airborne TETRA Radio Installations
Direction Finding Systems
For further information please contact:
Cobham Antenna Systems
The Cobham Centre
Fourth Avenue, Marlow
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1TF
England
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 472 072
Fax: +44 (0) 1628 482 255
E-mail: antennasystems.marlowmarketing@cobham.com
Cobham Antenna Systems
1955 Lakeway Drive
Suite 200
Lewisville
TX 75057
USA
Tel: +1 972 221 1783
Fax: +1 972 436 2716
COBHAM ANTENNA SYSTEMS
www.cobham.com/antennasystems
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: info@generator.uk.com
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.
AS 11/10