Naval Special Warfare Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Low Elevation Angle Antenna

United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) are called upon to operate anywhere in the world at any time, in extremis. Often these SOF operators must deploy using undersea vehicles such as the Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) or, in the near future, the Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS), DCS/UEOS 3, etc.. UHF satellite communications are a major component of the SOF’s ability to operate anywhere with impunity. However, the currently deployed SDV antenna system only supports zenith to 45 degrees above horizon communications, limiting the effective locations of achievable UHF link to central and moderate latitudes. IERUS Technologies proposes to develop a next-generation SDV/SWCS-compatible UHF communications antenna supporting both UFO and MUOS frequency bands with full upper hemispherical coverage. IERUS will mature this existing Phase 1 design and perform RF, environmental, and on-site tests to demonstrate the antenna's performance. IERUS will provide NAVSEA with a number of production units by the end of this program.