X- and Ka-band low profile antennas for aeronautical and land mobile satcom

High data rate communications on the move is fast becoming a major application area for satellite systems using X- and higher frequency bands. The ground terminal antenna used in such systems has a profound impact on the system capabilities and is constrained in many often conflicting ways. While simple reflector systems offer the lowest cost solution, there is a widespread need for low profile antennas to minimize the antenna visual signature and to satisfy aesthetic and transportation requirements. In this paper, we will describe a number of innovative flat plate mechanically steered low profile antennas that are being developed in X- and Ka-Band to satisfy the conflicting requirements of high efficiency, compliance with regulatory requirements, cost-effective design, mechanical robustness, compact envelope and support for tracking systems.