Abeillon specialises in the design and manufacture of flexible antenna supports. The company’s cutting-edge equipment provides support, spatial orientation and mechanical protection for mobile omnidirectional antennas.
Flexible antenna brackets for military applications
Abeillon’s antenna supports brackets have been specially designed for these frequency ranges:
- Very High Frequency (VHF) band, used for radio spectrum between 30MHz and 120MHz.
- Ultra-high frequency (UHF) or even microwave band, which is for the radio spectrum band between 300MHz and about 5GHz.
These bases make up a mechanical and electromagnetic interface between the radio transceiver and antenna.
Depending on the configuration, they can also be used to connect a supporting structure from a ground intervention vehicle to an antenna.
Military antenna bracket additional information
In the VHF frequency range, the flexible supports have mechanical and electromagnetic conduction interfaces that feature a threaded hole at the base and a threaded rod at the head. For connections with a mobile radio, the base can be equipped with a BNC type connector.
The central section contains a semi-rigid gooseneck flexible tube with shape memory, which can possibly be reinforced. This type of support gives the antenna the desired spatial orientation and protects it from shocks.
Since this concerns a VHF antenna on board a vehicle, the central part of the flexible support is made up of:
- a flexible composite mechanical assembly without shape memory
- a straight or conical spring with contiguous coils.
These flexible supports provide mechanical protection for the antenna in the event of a collision with an obstacle.
In the UHF frequency range, the mechanical brackets have N, NP, BNC, SMA type electrical connectors at their ends.
The central part contains a flexible gooseneck, also known as a semi-rigid flexible tube with shape memory or a stay put tube. This component is indispensable as the main functions of the support are to give the antenna a spatial orientation and to protect it against shocks.
In the special case where the UHF antenna is to be mounted on a land vehicle, the flexible support is equipped with one of the connectors shown above, located at the top, to connect the antenna.
The section of the flexible support below the connector can consist of one or two flexible levels without shape memory. The two flexible levels are separated by a rigid element, which acts to position the antenna at the appropriate altitude on the vehicle.
The lower flexible element, which is connected to a mechanical interface bolted to the vehicle, is intended to protect both the antenna and the rigid raising device from impact on collision, while the upper flexible element, interfaced with the antenna connector, is designed to protect the antenna.
The connection cable between the radio module and antenna is routed inside the bracket.
The military antenna brackets can be lined with a rubber or polyethylene sheath. This covering provides protection against aggressive environments often found in the fields of operation. It also adds an aesthetic feel to all or part of the flexible support bracket so that it can fit into a specific environment.
The entire antenna bracket, including its rubber or polyethylene covering, is painted in a colour depending on customer specifications for the field of operation concerned. Examples colours include Nato green, desert sand or black.
The selection of materials, as well as manufacturing processes designed and implemented by Abeillon, are used for the production of antenna supports capable of resisting harsh conditions. They also have the ability to support a static load in a fixed spatial position while maintaining the mechanical properties, even after many bending cycles.
We are also able to apply a marking to the covering. The only limitation being that our customers must provide us with their text or drawing.
Abeillon supplies equipment for Nato requirements
Abeillon’s state-of-the-art industrial site features a machine inventory dedicated to:
- spring manufacturing
- semi-rigid flexible gooseneck tube bar manufacturing
- implementing several cutting and end preparation processes
- assembly by crimping or welding
The company places particular importance on finishing its products by implementing processes like painting, sheathing, and marking.
Abeillon’s highly qualified personnel have extensive knowledge and experience of managing these means of production on a daily basis.
We have a production capacity of up to 200,000 units per year, for all areas combined, due to our robust manufacturing processes.
Abeillon can suggest antenna brackets from its extensive database of existing products. We also design, manufacture and distributes a range of products relating to the latest technological developments in radio communication.
Abeillon’s engineering team listen to our clients and adapt the design of existing products or designs new products in order to meet the specific needs of each user.