A low profile X-band active phased array for submarine satellite communications

There is currently a strong desire to achieve a level of connectivity for USA submarines that is comparable to other Naval platforms. To meet this goal, the submarine must support higher data rate communications via satellite. A candidate link is through the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). The Submarine SHF Phased Array Antenna program, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR 313), has developed a phased array antenna that will support communications via DSCS while addressing the stringent volumetric and environmental constraints imposed by the submarine. The DSCS operating band is in the low X-band with right-hand circular polarized (RHCP) uplink and left-hand circular polarized (LHCP) downlink and therefore requires a dual-polarized antenna. The high static seawater pressures and other environmental conditions require a very high strength array structure. In order to fit within the existing submarine sail, the antenna must be very thin. Representative test results are shown. The calibration procedures used for the assembly of the array panel are discussed. It is shown that good test results are obtained from a near field probe test and various interesting array patterns can be obtained by adjusting the transmit/receive (T/R) modules.