DESC:X-BAND MINIATURE ANTENNA FOR INFANTRY COMBAT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of Infantry combat vehicle and, more particularly, to a miniaturized X-Band antenna with narrow beamwidth to be fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), to guide the projectile.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] An infantry combat vehicle (ICV) is a type of armoured fighting vehicle that is used to carry infantry into battle and provide direct-fire support. Moreover, the 1990 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe defines an infantry-fighting combat vehicle as "an armoured combat vehicle” which is designed and equipped primarily to transport a combat infantry squad, and which is armed with an integral or organic cannon of at least 20 millimeters calibre and sometimes an antitank missile launcher. ICVs often serve both as the principal weapons system and as the mode of transport for a mechanized infantry unit.
[0004] Furthermore, the Infantry combat vehicles are distinct from armoured personnel carriers (APCs), which are transport vehicles armed only for self-defense and not specifically engineered to fight on their own. Infantry combat vehicle is designed to be more mobile than tanks and is equipped with a rapid-firing autocannon or a large conventional gun; they may include side ports for infantrymen to fire their personal weapons while on board.
[0005] The ICV rapidly gained popularity with armies worldwide due to a demand for vehicles with high firepower that were less expensive and easier to maintain than tanks. Nevertheless, it did not supersede the APC concept altogether, due to the latter is continued usefulness in specialized roles. Some armies continue to maintain fleets of both ICVs and APCs. Most of the existing prior art utilizes antennas for ICV having a broad beamwidth of 230 . They will not precisely guide the projectile to hit the target.
[0006] Hence, there is always a need for an Infantry Combat vehicle equipped with an antenna that precisely guides the projectile to hit the target. The antenna is generally used for establishing the communication between the troops present in the field as the troops communicate by using relatively low-frequency radio signals transmitted and received by the antenna.
[0007] Generally, a Narrow RF (radio frequency) beamwidth is required for the weapon system operation. Mainly, the weapon system computes the guidance commands based on the narrow Optical Field of view, where Target and projectile are aligned in the same axis, to track the target & projectile accurately in a multi-target scenario.
[0008] The narrow RF beam antenna also required to transmit the commands to the desired projectile. Further, the narrow RF beam is required so that it will not visible to the enemy. Furthermore, the upside factor is the low-frequency radio signal that does not require much power and can travel long distances. However, to operate efficiently, antennas need to be at least one-quarter of the length of the radio waves they transmit.
[0009] Moreover, the space available for the fitment of the antenna is very limited, where the RF (radio frequency) axis, Optical axis, and Launch platform axis are to be aligned. The radiofrequency axis of the antenna is aligned with the optical axis and the Launch platform axis to compute the guidance commands with greater accuracy and to guide the projectile towards the target in the desired trajectory. The alignment of this three-axis will enhance the probability of hitting the appropriate target in applicable time.
[0010] Additionally, the Antenna is also exposed to Thermal shock and Vibration during the Launch of Projectile; hence, there is a need for ruggedized and thermally stable miniature Antenna with narrow beam-width.
[0011] All the approaches described hereinabove have a major drawback that they do not cover a ruggedized and thermally stable miniature Antenna having narrow beam- width that can easily be attached at the minimum space available for the fitment of the antenna.
[0012] Therefore, it is desired to have a miniaturized X-Band antenna having a narrow beam width to be fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) that guide the projectile.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0014] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention, to overcome the drawbacks of existing conventional antennas for Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) having higher beamwidth.
[0015] Another primary object of the present invention is to reduce the beamwidth of the X-Band antenna from 230 to 170.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an antenna to sustain the vibration and thermal shock during missile launch from ICV.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide low cost and a highly efficient antenna having a narrow beamwidth for ICV.
[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0019] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to X-Band antenna having narrow beam width to be fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) that guide the projectile. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0020] In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a narrow beam X-band miniature antenna fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) comprising a helical coil mounted on a rod to operate in an axial mode emitting a beam of radio waves with circular polarization in a preselected direction wherein one end of the helical coil connected to RF feeder (SMA connector) and isolated to a circular ground plane and enclosed inside a radome.
[0021] In an aspect of the present invention, the helix coil is made of copper wire with diameter ranges between 1mm to 1.5mm.
[0022] In an aspect of the present invention, the number of turns in the helical coil ranges between 20 to 24.
[0023] In an aspect of the present invention, the rod is made of dielectric material.
[0024] In an aspect of the present invention, the dielectric material is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
[0025] In an aspect of the present invention, the ground plane is of a circular-shaped structure having a diameter of 2.5?.
[0026] In an aspect of the present invention, the radome is made of a material having low dielectric constant and high thermal coefficient.
[0027] In an aspect of the present invention, the radome is of cylindrical shape structure having a length of 235mm.
[0028] In an aspect of the present invention, the radome has an inner diameter of 2? and thickness ranges between 2mm to 3mm.
[0029] In an aspect of the present invention, the radome (400) is filled with a potting dielectric material, which is Resin & harder mixture with 1:3 ratios for minimal RF loss.
[0030] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
[0031] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0032] FIG.1 illustrates a narrow beam X-band miniature antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG.2 illustrates a helical coil mounted on a dielectric material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the ground plane structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG.4 illustrates the radome structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG.5 illustrates the radome fixture structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG.6 illustrates the radome top cover structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG.7 illustrates the RF signal feeder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0040] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0042] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0044] Referring to Fig.1 shows a narrow beam X-band miniature antenna (100) fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) comprising a helical coil (200) mounted on a dielectric material to operate in an axial mode emitting a beam of radio waves with circular polarization in a preselected direction wherein one end of the helical coil (200) terminating on an SMA coaxial connector (700) and isolated to the circular ground plane (300) and enclosed inside a radome (400). The radome fixture structure (500) is provided to tightly mount the radome over the circular ground plane (300). The X-band miniature antenna has a beamwidth of 170 and Gain of 10dBi, and having circular polarization with an axial ratio of <3dB, and sidelobe levels <-10dB. This antenna is directional; its EM (Electro-magnetic) radiation propagates along its axial direction, with circular polarization. This antenna to be used for communicating with rolling projectile, hence a circular polarization antenna is required for the ICV application.
[0045] Referring to FIG.2 illustrates a helical coil (200) mounted on a rod (202). FIG. 2(a) shows a helical coil (200) in which the number of turns ranges between 20 to 24 to achieve the narrow beamwidth of 170 with a single helix. FIG.2(b) shows the pitch angle (214) of 140 between the turns of the helical coil (200) and is optimized to get the narrow beamwidth.
[0046] FIG.2 (c) shows the space (208) of 6.3mm between the consecutive helical turns of the helical coil. The helical coil (200) is made of copper wire having diameter ranges between 1 mm to 1.5 mm. The diameter (212) of the rod (202) is 7 mm and the fixing screw (210) is 10mm. The helical slots are of requisite depth (206) that facilitates the easy mount of the helical coil (200).
[0047] FIG. 2(d) shows the rod (202) made of dielectric material i.e. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. Moreover, the helical slots (204) is provided on the rod (202) to assemble the helical coil. The helical slots (204) are of requisite depth that facilitates the easy mount of the helical coil (200).
[0048] Referring to FIG.3a illustrates the top view of the ground plane structure (300) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ground plane structure (300) is circular-shaped having a diameter of 2.5?. Its diameter is optimized for low side lobes. Here, slot A (302) is provided for fixing the narrow beam X-band miniature antenna on ICV fixture, slot B (304) is provided for mounting the coaxial connector and slot C (306) for helix holder. FIG.3b illustrates the side view of the ground plane structure showing the thickness of the ground plane structure (300) and FIG.3c shows the back view of the ground plane structure (300) showing the slot B (304) and slot C (306).

[0049] Referring to FIG.4 illustrates the radome structure (400) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The radome structure comprises an inner circle (402) and an outer circle (404) of diameter 2? and the thickness (406) of the radome is 2-3mm, where the thickness is optimized for low EM (Electromagnetic) losses and physical strength. The radome is of the cylindrical structure having an inner diameter of 2? to provide air media for narrow beamwidth and thickness of 2 - 3mm that reduce reflections and thereby reduces side lobes. The length of the radome is 235 mm to provide air media at the tip of the helix for narrow beamwidth. Moreover, the radome is made of dielectric material i.e. Teflon with low dielectric constant (2.1) and having a higher thermal coefficient to absorb the thermal shock generated while projectile launch.
[0050] Referring to FIG.5 illustrates the radome fixture structure (500) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The radome fixture structure (500) is made of the same type of material as radome to reduce scattering waves near the ground plane. FIG.5(a) shows the screw hole (502) that is of 4.2mm diameter that facilitates the fixing of the fixture structure (500) with a ground plane, the radome is to be threaded on (504) having size M55X1.5. FIG.5(b) shows the thickness (506) of the radome fixture structure (500) is 3mm and width (508) is 12.5mm, and the Radome fixing at (504) is of 12mm height.
[0051] Referring to FIG.6 illustrates the radome top cover structure (600) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The top cover structure (600) is made of the same material as Radome and the top cover structure (600) is fitted on top of the radome structure. FIG.6 (a) shows the top cover structure (600) having three holes. The first Hole (608) of 5mm is provided to fix the helix support rod and the third hole (610) is used to pour the potting material of Resin and hardener composite solution inside the radome structure to ruggedize the antenna and to sustain vibrations produced during projectile launch, this potting solution is a mixture of resin & hardener in a defined ratio 1:3, it is in liquid form that is allowed to pour for about 10 to 15sec. Within this short time, this potting mixture is allowed to be poured inside the radome through the hole (610), this potting solution become hard in <30sec time, and the second hole (606) is provided to flow air in and out during the potting.
[0052] FIG.6 (b) shows the outer diameter (604) of the top cover structure (600) i.e. of 62mm, and the depth (602) of the second hole in the top cover structure is 3mm provided to tightly install the radome.
[0053] Referring to FIG.7 illustrates the RF signal Feeder (700) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The one end of the helical coil is connected to an RF feeder (SMA connector), isolated to a circular ground plane, and enclosed inside a radome. The hole (702) is used to connect the one end of the helical coil with an RF signal feeder.
[0054] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0055] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0056] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An X-band miniature Antenna (100) fitted on Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) comprising
a helical coil (200) mounted on a dielectric rod (202) to operate in an axial mode emitting a beam of radio waves with circular polarization in a preselected direction wherein one end of the helical coil (200) is terminating with SMA connector and isolated to a ground plane (300) and enclosed inside a radome (400).
2. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helix coil (200) is made of copper wire with diameter ranges in between 1mm to 1.5mm.
3. The X-Band miniature antenna (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the number of turns in the helical coil (200) ranges in between 20 to 24.
4. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod (202) is made of dielectric material.
5. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the dielectric material is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
6. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground plane (300) is of a circular-shaped structure having a diameter of 2.5?.
7. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radome (400) is made of a material having low dielectric constant and high thermal coefficient.
8. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the radome (400) is of cylindrical shape structure having a length of 235mm.
9. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the radome (400) has an inner diameter of 2? and thickness ranges in between 2mm to 3mm.
10. The X-band miniature Antenna (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the radome (400) is filled with a potting dielectric material, that is Resin & harder mixture with 1:3 ratios for minimal RF loss