News for BAE Systems Shared Services• September Month 2009 2009
@YOUR
YOUR
SERVICE
@SERVICE
Spotlight>
Radio systems
Engineers at BAE Systems Advanced
Technology Centre (ATC) have developed
a new range of antennas that will
help safeguard our front-line troops.
The new devices are made of flexible
woven fibres and are worn on the radio
operators’ uniform. They will replace the
traditional whip antenna connected to
the radio that projects many feet into the
air and exposes operators to sniper fire.
The new “body-worn” antennas
were developed at Great Baddow,
in Chelmsford, and were demonstrated
to an audience of civilian and military
staff at the UK Ministry of Defence’s
Copehill Down training village on
Salisbury Plain.
Principal Engineer for the ATC project,
Dr James Matthews, said: “The whip
antenna towers over the operator’s head
and restricts his movement if he has to
duck down somewhere.
“Our antenna will work over a wide
frequency range, so is compatible with a
range of current and future radio systems.
It allows the radio signal antenna to
stay tuned and radiate efficiently whether
the operator is moving or stopped.
“We computer-modelled the antennas
and looked at a range of novel materials
and manufacturing techniques that
would allow us to integrate them into the
soldier’s clothing.
“Now we have developed a sleeve
patch antenna that is held on by hook
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Above: Shared Services expertise is helping to supply ammunition supplies to UK troops. Turn to pages 04 and 05 for more
and loop fastenings, and a longer version
that is worn under the uniform.”
During the trial in Copehill Down,
the body-worn antenna performed well.
James said: “The feedback we
got from the military was very good –
they are going to recommend more
technical trials.”
Another feature of the ATC team
demonstration was a new body-worn
antenna for the high-frequency personal
radios (PRR), carried by all infantry, that
allows soldiers to communicate with
members of their platoon while
on manoeuvres.
James added: “The problem with the
PRR is that, at times, the user’s body
blocks the signal and he has to turn and
face the person he wants to talk to –
which may mean turning his back on a
potential enemy. Our new antenna is
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Impressive ‘body’ of work
THE FEEDBACK WE
GOT FROM THE
MILITARY WAS GOOD
AND THERE WILL BE
MORE TRIALS
Dr James Matthews, Principal Engineer, ATC
Engineers at ATC demonstrate expertise with
development of a new range of antennas
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Above: the “body-worn” antennas will help
to protect front-line radio operators
attached to each shoulder either
inside or outside the soldier’s
uniform, which gives the radio
all-round coverage. enabling them to
maintain combat effectiveness.”
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