Development of High-Power Ka/Q Dual-Band and Communications/Radar Dual-Function Helix-TWT

Future military communication systems on mobile satellite uplink platforms such as ground-based high-mobility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft have strict constraints in size, weight, and power. Despite these constraints, these platforms also require ever-increasing data rate and bandwidth for video/imagery transmissions from small aperture terminals. In addition to the communications requirements, more UAV platforms, as an important part of current and future military operations, desire radar capabilities for ground mapping and visibility through poor weather conditions. In 2007, as part of an ongoing effort to meet these demands, L-3 Communications Electron Technologies, Inc. successfully developed a Ka/Q dual-band helix-traveling-wave tube, i.e., the 8923H, that produces 315 W minimum output power at Ka-band (30-31 GHz) and 200 W minimum output power at Q-band (43.5-45.5 GHz). The device was primarily developed to satisfy the Ka/Q dual-band communications requirements with power goals of 300 W minimum at Ka-band and 175 W at Q-band, but in addition, the device can also dual-function as a radar source in the Ka-radar-band (33-36 GHz) with peak power up to 400 W and duty demonstrated up to 50%, all from a single device.