An Integrated Radar and Communication Antenna System for Single Mast Platforms

This paper describes the design approach useful to integrate in the same mechanical structure two functionalities of the Electronic Warfare (EW) environment: Radar-Electronic Support Measurements (RESM) and Communication-Electronic Support Measurements (CESM). The interested architecture provides electro-magnetic and thermo-mechanical solutions to minimize the coupling between the installed antennas and to reduce the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the whole structure. The proposed system can be installed on several platforms, especially when only a single mast is available for both CESM-RESM, such as new generation patrol vessels, submarines and frigates. Finally the main advantages of the integrated system are: lower costs, simplified installation and modularity.