A new low profile antenna with improved performance for Satellite On-The-Move Communications

A novel design solution for a low-profile full-duplex satellite-on-the-move communications hybrid scanned phased array antenna for low elevation angle coverage (down to 10°) is described. The antenna is operated at Ku-Band. The unique louvered array element geometry in combination with a spatial filter/ ¿ray bending¿ lens facilitates the shaping of the element pattern to increase gain at low elevation angles. Preliminary modelling results using simple ray-tracing and 3D E simulation indicate that the desired low angle coverage can be achieved.