GROUND TO UAV COMMS - THE SIGMA ANTENNA RANGE
BACKGROUND
Recent from user testing indicated that one of our assumptions regarding the suitability of the SIGMA antenna range for communications with UAV was likely to be correct. The omnidirectional pattern was assessed to provide a good ground to air link. A test was designed that measured the received power of both a standard pole antenna used by several radio manufacturers and the SIGMA-TWO. The user equipment was configured for a MIMO radio. The radio and standard antenna were attached to the rear right shoulder of the vest, the SIGMA-TWO antennas were fitted over both shoulders with the radio on the rear of the vest.
▪ Received power measurements were taken using a calibrated reference antenna, signal generator set to 2300 MHz and a VNA.
▪ Measurements were captured overhead (0˚), 30˚ and 60˚ to represent the angle from the UAV to the operator assuming that no other nodes were in the network.
▪ All measurements were captured with the user in a standing position and every 45˚ to determine an antenna pattern.
▪ Integration and the impact of tactical patrol positions were not considered during this assessment.
SUMMARY
The SIGMA-TWO performed better than the standard antenna when overhead and at 30˚. The standard antenna performed better than the SIGMA-TWO at 60˚.
Indications are that the standard antenna has performance nulls at angles between 0-30˚.
The SIGMA-TWO maintains a consistent omnidirectional pattern from all angles. The over shoulder integration into the tactical vest provides good coverage for ground - UAV linkages with no overhead nulls.
The SIGMA-TWO performance data indicates that it will provide a consistent and reliable ground - UAV link and should be offered for wider testing.
