Cobham Antenna Systems

Antenna capabilities and solutions

The most important thing we build is trust

Cover image courtesy of AgustaWestland

AIRBORNE

LAND

SPECIALIST

Tuned, low profile

and conformal
antennas

Ground based,
vehicle mounted
and manpack
antennas

High Performance
custom designed
antennas

ASSOCIATED
TECHNOLOGIES
Direction Finding,
Avionics, GPS,
Jamming, TETRA

Experience You Can Trust

Image courtesy of Alex Christie

Supersonic TCAS for Concorde

MAIN COVER IMAGE

Cobhams 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

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.

2 Terrestrial & SATCOM communications

and interference mitigation on light
armoured vehicles

3 Full antenna and DF

suite on AW101

Image courtesy of AgustaWestland

Fire Control Radar on Apache Longbow

4 Manpack and
bodyworn antennas

Image courtesy of wallpaperbase.com

Broadband communications for armoured vehicles

5 Satellite communications,
navigation and TCAS on
Embraer Legacy

Image courtesy of AgustaWestland

Image courtesy of US Army, Spc. Scott Davis

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.

Image courtesy of Sawek Krajniewski

With its great wealth of experience and a forward thinking approach

Cobham Antenna Systems is able to match the antenna solution to the
customers 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 companys 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

Design

Cobham Antenna Systems

possesses the full range of
capabilities required to take the
customers 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

Cobhams world leading RF design team

use their vast experience as well as a
comprehensive set of computer modelling
tools to reliably predict the antennas 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 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.

Performance Verification

Prototype

Qualification and Certification

Manufacture

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

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 companys
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 products
performance against factors such as vibration
and shock, lightning, humidity, temperature etc.

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 companys materials specialists provide
expertise in the selection and processing of
materials, ensuring the properties are tailored
for optimum product performance.

This comprehensive suite of tests verifies the

high performance of Cobhams products and
gives the customer the satisfaction that their
specification has been met.

Cobhams 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 companys 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.

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)

Civil Aircraft

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

Rugged MUOS Antenna

Armoured Vehicles

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

Tuneable Antenna

Image courtesy of US Army, Pfc. Jared S. Eastman

Communication and Navigation antennas for

Northrop Grumman Fire Scout UAV.

MRAP
LAV-C2
Challenger 2
Bushmaster
Rooikat 101
Warrior
Landrover
Abrams

Transport/Tankers

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.

UAV

Boeing
Airbus
Embraer
Dassault
Gulfstream
Bombardier
Pilatus
CAC

A400M
C130
C27J
A330 (FSTA/MRTT)
Erieye
C295
Nimrod
C17

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

Fast Jets

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

Nose Cone Radome

and Antenna

Trainers
T-50
Hawk
M346
Super Tucano
T-6B
Falcon
KT-1
PC-9

Combined radar nose cone with integral

navigation antenna, together with a comms
& navigation suite.

Anti-Jam GPS

Helicopters

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

Multi Function Antenna

A 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.

Typhoon
F15
Grippen SAAB
Rafale
Tornado
F-16
Mirage
SU-30

Eurocopter
AgustaWestland
Sikorsky
Boeing
TAI
KAI
MHI
Bell

Infantry Programmes
Bowman
STARS V
WIN-T
Clansman
MTBR
Falcon
JP2072
Grintek

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

Cobham Antenna Systems

The most important thing we build is trust

The most important thing we build is trust

Cobham Antenna Systems

Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas

Microwave Antennas

Cobham Antenna Systems

Antennas for Unmanned Systems

Data Links, Control Links, Robotics

SUPERSONIC
AIRCRAFT

CIVIL
AIRCRAFT

ROTARY WING
AIRCRAFT

VOICE & DATA

COMMUNICATIONS

SITUATION
AWARENESS

Extensive range of
in-service antennas

Combined communications
and GPS antennas for
exible 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

Designed
to the highest
specication

The most important thing we build is trust

Critical
and efcient
communications

Control
links and
robotics

Antennas used
worldwide on all
types of unmanned
airborne vehicles and
target drones

JAMMING/IED
PROTECTION

SITUATION
AWARENESS

COMMUNICATIONS ON
THE MOVE

VOICE
COMMUNICATIONS

Wide range of high

power, broadband,
high performance
manpack antennas

Combined
communications and
GPS antennas for
exible voice/data
communications

Range of broadband,
multi-band and narrow
band antennas

Extensive range of
in-service antennas

Cover image Crown Copyright/MOD 2004

MILITARY
AIRCRAFT

The most important thing we build is trust

Cover image Tony Printezis

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Dischargers for all airborne applications

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Vehicle Communications and

Jamming Antennas

Airborne TETRA Radio Installations

Direction Finding Systems

Cobham Antenna Systems

Cobham Antenna Systems

The most important thing we build is trust

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Microwave Antennas

Manpack and Portable Jamming Antennas

Rotating Microwave Sub-Systems

Coaxial Cable Assemblies

The most important thing we build is trust

Configuration Capability
POLICE AIR
SUPPORT UNITS

AIR AMBULANCES
Benet from TETRAs
exible communications

Features
Communications

are
enchanced by Cobhams

MILITARY USERS

30 - 88MHz
88 - 118MHz
118 - 243MHz
225 - 407MHz
400 - 470MHz

COASTGUARD RESCUE

935

End to End encryption

931
is available
to provide
enhanced security

933

Frequency
Range Operation
TETRA

NAVAL AW101

Cobham TETRA allows

System
the emergency services
to talk to each other,
reliably and securely

SAR AW101

SUPER LYNX

RAF SEA KING

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

Antenna Overall Diameter

286mm

286mm

286mm

192mm

Antenna Height above Airframe

90mm

90mm

90mm

114mm

Antenna Penetration

75mm

75mm

75mm

75mm

Controller/Display Size

68 x147x182mm

36 x 82 x113mm

ARINC 429
MIL STD 1553B
Left/Right Output Options

Installation Details

64 x 80 x115mm

For further information please contact:

Tel: +44 (0)1438 768800

Fax: +44 (0)1438 768822

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.

www.cobham.com/antennasystems
Cover image RotorImage

antennasystems.marlowmarketing@cobham.com

This paper contains 50% recycled bres and is bleached in a totally

chlorine free process. The virgin bre content of this paper is
elemental chlorine free and comes from managed forests.

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Airborne TETRA Radio Installations

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Direction Finding Systems

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.marlow.marketing@cobham.com

Cobham Antenna Systems

1955 Lakeway Drive
Suite 200
Lewisville
TX 75057
USA
Tel: +1 972 221 1783
Fax: +1 972 436 2716

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

TENNA
AN
S

TEMS
YS

For further information please contact:

COBHAM

Cobham Antenna Systems, Rest of the World

The Cobham Centre
Fourth Avenue
Marlow
Buckinghamshire, SL7 1TF
England

Tel: +1 972 221 1783

Fax: +1 972 436 2716

Photographs courtesy of Agusta Westland

Cobham Antenna Systems, North America

1955 Lakeway Drive
Suite 200
Lewisville
Texas, 75057
USA

www.cobham.com/antennasystems
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 10/11