Cobham Antenna Systems has launched their new Triple-band Helix antenna.

This new antenna will be displayed on the Cobham stand at the unmanned vehicle show, AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019, in Chicago, USA, from April 30 to May 1, 2019. The new Helix, model number TAMH-1.6-2.4-5.8/2453, is designed to SWaP principles — improved performance while reducing Size, Weight and Power requirement. This is achieved by housing three antennas in one radome, covering the three most popular commercially used bands: 1.6GHz (GPS), 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. It is of particular benefit to portable systems, being lighter and easier to handle.

Furthermore, for fixed installations, the antenna's SWaP efficiencies make mounting three antennas in close proximity far more straightforward. Its three-into-one configuration also reduces wind-loading. These benefits meet Counter-Drone System (or C-UAS; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) requirements —   especially important following the recent and much reported hazardous incursions into restricted airspace over airports by illegally flown commercial drones.

All three of the antennas within the radome are Helix (i.e. circular-polarized), which ensures the greatest probability of coupling with the antenna on the target drone, under most flight conditions. Each provides 13dBiC gain and narrow, 33-  degree beam-widths, which reduces the possibility of it  interfering with non-hostile systems operating in the same bands.

Cobham is investing in producing additional versions, which will also cover the 915 MHz band and all GPS bands (L1 to L5). The company also provides directional flat-panel antennas, sector antennas and omni antennas, covering individual bands, as well as a selection of ultra-wideband antennas (which can future proof any system), many of which are already being used for C-UAS applications