ILKA – Integrated Deployable Lightweight Manpack Complete Antenna
Development of a manpack satellite communication system for Ku band with a total weight of below 20kg.
Project Partners
HPS GmbH, Blackwave GmbH, mtex antenna technology gmbh
Duration
01.04.2021 – 31.10.2022
Funding authority
German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
Motivation
Mobile satellite communication systems are often used in extreme situations in poorly accessible locations: In disaster areas, on expeditions, or by special forces of police and military organizations. Current commercially available systems often have weaknesses with regards to signal transmission, weight or transport in rough terrain. In a cooperation led by space subsystem specialist HPS GmbH with participation of antenna technology provider mtex gmbh, SMC producer Blackwave GmbH and LCC, a system is to be developed for the demanding conditions posed by the areas of operation as mentioned. Next to the strict weight limitations, special focus is placed on the contour accuracy of the structure.
Method
After definition of all necessary specifications between the project partners, taking into account requirements for a military use provided by the University der Bundeswehr (UniBw), different product design and production process concepts are developed in order to achieve a product that best fits all requirements. Challenges are posed by the required high stiffness and contour accuracy paired with the need for a lightweight, easily packable and deployable product that is to be produced in an economic production process. The best concept is selected and a detailled product design is developed. A lab specimen is to be built in cooperation between the partners and tested for suitability under laboratory and field conditions. Finally, a serial production process is developed.
Acknowledgement
The chair thanks the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for the funding of the project “ILKA – Integrierte, entfaltbare Leichtbau Manpack Komplett-Antenne” (funding code: 50YB2110) within the National Space Programme of the German Space Agency.
Contact Persons
Leo Heidemann, M.Sc.; Dr.-Ing. Swen Zaremba