The antenna system for a medium class ship terminal of the satellite communications

Some technical considerations involved in the development of an antenna for a medium class ship terminal for a satellite communications system are discussed. Some of the physical characteristics and administrative regulations determining the frequency range of the communication links for the system are described. The system will operate in the L band between 1535 and 1660 MHz. An experimental investigation of the performance of a short backfire (SBF) array antenna and an amplitude comparison monopulse system is performed, and the results are presented in a series of graphs. It is found that a four-source SBF and the amplitude comparison monopulse system can be used effectively in medium class ship terminals, especially when applied to low-speed communications services.