AP-45018 2.4-Meter UHF Grid Parabolic Antenna | 406-512 MHz | 18.5 dBi
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AP-45018

Grid Parabolic Antenna 2.4 Meters

ModelProduct DescriptionFrequencyGainDownloadPDFEnquiry
AP-45018Grid Parabolic Antenna 2.4 Meters406–512MHz.18 dBi.Download DatasheetDownload ManualPost Enquiry

The AP-45018 is a professional-grade UHF terrestrial microwave antenna engineered for the 406–512 MHz spectrum. Featuring a 2.4-meter (8-foot) diameter grid parabolic reflector, it delivers a strategic 18.5 dBi gain. This antenna is optimized for high-capacity digital backhaul and tactical communication links, offering a superior balance of signal focus and structural resilience for fixed-site and rapid-deployment infrastructure.

Strategic UHF Performance

The AP-45018 provides exceptional directional accuracy with a focused 19-degree beam-width. This aperture concentrates RF energy with precision, maximizing link distance while effectively isolating the signal from adjacent interference. Performance is further stabilized by a 38 dB Front-to-Back ratio and 34 dB cross-polarized discrimination, ensuring the superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for sophisticated digital data transmission across its 40 MHz bandwidth.

Industrial-Grade Structural Hardening

Constructed from 6063T6 architectural-grade anodized aluminum alloy, the 2.4-meter reflector is built to survive punishing environmental theaters. The grid architecture is a critical efficiency feature; the open-frame design allows wind to pass through the reflector, drastically reducing wind load compared to solid dishes and achieving a high wind rating of 200 Km/Hr. To ensure the antenna remains stable and the beam stays on-target during severe weather, it is supplied with two side struts for enhanced rigidity.

Operational and Tactical Efficiency

Despite its significant scale, the AP-45018 is designed for professional field optimization. It includes an expanded elevation tracking mechanism allowing for fine +/- 10 degree adjustments, essential for "dialing in" peak signal strength on long-distance hops. The primary feed horn features a quick fastener system for rapid assembly, and the radiating elements are manufactured from high-quality brass for maximum electrical conductivity. For electrical safety, the antenna operates at direct D.C. ground, providing a safe discharge path for lightning and atmospheric static.

Detailed Technical Features

  • Strategic High Gain: Delivers 18.5 dBi mid-band gain for backbone terrestrial links.
  • Focused Directivity: 19-degree half-power beam-width provides high security and signal focus.
  • Stable VSWR: Maintains a VSWR of better than 1.5:1, ensuring optimal power transfer.
  • High Power Handling: Rated for continuous operation at 250 Watts.
  • Direct Grounding: Integrated lightning protection path to shield sensitive radio front-ends.

Detailed Mechanical Features

  • Reflector Architecture: 2.4-meter (8 feet) diameter grid using 16 mm 6063T6 aluminum pipe members.
  • Elite Fasteners: All screws, nuts, and bolts are manufactured from Marine Grade Stainless Steel.
  • Enhanced Alignment Tracking: Integrated elevation mechanism with an expanded +/- 10 degrees of travel.
  • Heavy-Duty Mounting: Designed for large-diameter vertical masts up to 115 mm (4.5 inches).
  • Side Strut Support: Includes two struts to provide extra support and rigidity to the 90 Kg assembly.

Detailed Environmental Features

  • Hurricane Resilience: Rated for wind speeds up to 200 Km/Hr (125 MPH).
  • Thermal Hardening: Operational in extreme temperature windows from -30°C to +70°C.
  • Theater Hardening: Anodized and powder-coated finish in Olive Green for tactical concealment and corrosion resistance.
  • Humidity Tolerance: Certified for operation in 0 to 95% RH environments.

Key Advantages

  • Exceptional Link Margin: The 18.5 dBi gain provides the power required for high-capacity, long-distance point-to-point hops in the UHF band.
  • Low Drag Grid Design: Minimizes the structural demand on heavy-duty towers compared to solid dishes.
  • Maintenance-Free Build: Stainless steel hardware and epoxy coating ensure a long service life in harsh climates.

Primary Applications

  • Strategic Backbone Backhaul: High-capacity data links for telecommunications, utility, and government networks.
  • Tactical Military Networks: Establishing secure, high-gain backbone communication between regional command centers.
  • UHF Radio Relay: Ideal for analogue and digital communication links across vast geographical gaps.
  • Remote Data Connectivity: Transmitting high-bandwidth data from remote monitoring sites or oil rigs across long distances.

 

FeatureSpecificationTactical Benefit
Gain18.5 dBiReliable link margin for long-distance backhaul.
Beam-width19 DegreesSharp precision; high interference rejection.
Wind Rating200 Km/HrStays operational in hurricane-force conditions.
Gross Weight90 KgsRobust build with dual side struts for extreme stability.

 

Design Features: The AP-45018 grid parabolic antenna consists of full Parabolic reflector having a diameter of 2.4 Meters for use in all tactical and fixed station applications for terrestrial point to point analogue and digital communication radio link. The antenna covers 40 MHz bandwidth, operates in linear polarization and requires two operators for installation. The antenna dipole feed uses an Air-Cored transmission line. The mounting arrangement of Grid Parabolic Antenna permits to change the polarization from horizontal to vertical and vice-versa by mounting hardware fitted at rear end of the antenna. The antenna is supplied with +/-10 degrees elevation tracking mechanism. The grid parabolic antenna operates at D.C. ground with low resistance discharge path for protection against lightning and immunity to noise.
Constructions: The AP-45018 uses 6063T6 ultra corrosion resistant architectural anodized aluminium alloy and supplied with epoxy based anti-corrosive powder coating finish in order to prevent it further from severe environmental condition. The parabolic reflector is illuminated by a primary feed which is fitted to the center of assembly with quick fastener system. Radiating elements and the dipole feed are made of high quality brass. All the screws, nuts and bolts of tactical microwave antenna are of marine grade stainless steel. The antenna supplied with army olive green color.
Tracking Mechanism: The AP-45018 grid parabolic antenna is supplied with azimuth and elevation tracking mechanism where the fine adjustments is necessary to optimized the signal strength of a radio link along with Two side struts to provide extra supports and rigidity to the antenna.

Electrical Specifications:
Frequency Range406 - 512 MHz.
Gain18 dBi.
Bandwidth40 MHz.
PolarizationVertical or Horizontal
Input Impedance50 Ohms.
Radiation PatternDirectional
Beamwidth -3dB.19 Degrees
Front to Back Ratio38 dB.
Cross Polarization34 dB.
VSWR - Equal To or Better Then1:1.5
RF Power Handling Capacity250 Watts.
Input TerminationN-Female.
Lightning ProtectionDirect Ground


 

Mechanical Specifications:
Antenna Materials6063T6 Aluminum Alloy
Mounting Hardware -MaterialsMarine Grade Stainless Steel
Wind Rating200Km/Hr.
Support Pipe O.D.50 mm (2 Inches)
Support Pipe Material6063T6 Aluminum Alloy
Diameter of Parabolic Reflector2.4 Meters
Radiating MaterialHigh Quality Brass
Grid Members MaterialAluminum Tube - 5/8 Inch
Maximum Mount Pipe Diameter115 mm (4.5 Inches.)
Gross Weight90 Kgs.


 

Environmental Specifications:
Operating Temperature(-)30 to +70 Degrees Celcius
Storage Temperature(-)40 to +80 Degrees Celcius
Humidity0 to 95% RH