Technologies for an optically controlled mobile phased array communications antenna

In order to provide high data rate communications for soldiers on the battlefield without compromising their mobility, it is expected that multi-beam active phased array antennas will be a key feature of future military communications systems. The use of active phased arrays on a land vehicle does, however, impose particular constraints on the antenna design. Size and weight are significant issues, particularly the distribution of the weight within the system. By minimising the top-weight, i.e. the weight of the antenna units themselves, and locating most equipment low on the vehicle structure, improvements can be made in the overall vehicle stability and manoeuvrability. The overall power requirements of the system must also be minimised. We have investigated the use of optical technology for such phased array communication antennas and have shown that it can make a major contribution towards achieving these objectives