SIGINT Antenna - ILC Dover

ILC worked with Toyon Research and DARPA to develop a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) antenna demonstration unit. The system used photonic data links and RF/optical transducers to create novel and reconfigurable antenna designs. It was also used to study digital beamforming, interference rejection, and element self location in large antenna arrays.

The antenna consisted of an inflatable boom with a central partition which contained the Toyon planar antenna assembly. A deployment control mechanism was included in the system as well as some photovoltaic devices to verify deployment control and power harvesting were possible.

ILC designed and manufactured the 30m long boom from a coated fabric. ILC integrated the assembly and supported deployment and RF testing at Point Mugu in California.