DME-960-1240-12

The DME-960-1240-12 is a high-performance Fiberglass Omnidirectional Collinear Antenna meticulously engineered for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) within the 960–1240 MHz frequency band. Delivering an intensive 12 dBi gain, this professional-grade phased array is designed to provide maximum geographic coverage for aeronautical navigation. Built with 6063T6 architectural aluminum and high-class brass, it offers a "set-and-forget" solution for ground stations requiring elite signal reach and survivability in the most extreme global environments.

Design: Maximum Horizon Reach & Pattern Precision

The DME-960-1240-12 utilizes an advanced center-fed collinear dipole phased array design. This architecture is vital for aeronautical precision as it eliminates radiation pattern distortion and ensures a true, symmetrical 360-degree horizontal pattern. By vertically stacking large-diameter brass radiating elements fed in phase, the antenna achieves an ultra-focused 9-degree vertical beamwidth. This narrow aperture concentrates RF energy toward the radio horizon, providing a constant 12 dBi gain that ensures long-range signal lock for aircraft across the entire 960–1240 MHz broadband range.

Construction: Engineered for Elite Survivability

Built for ultimate mechanical integrity, the DME-960-1240-12 features fully welded internal junctions to prevent RF inter-modulation (PIM) and maintain signal purity. The radiating structure is completely protected within a high-tech ruggedized fiberglass radome, specifically designed to control friction-induced static created by high-speed wind, dust, or sand. All exposed metallic components are finished with an epoxy-based powder coating, providing total protection against corrosive gases, salt spray, and acid rain in coastal or desert environments.

Reliability: Advanced Monitoring & Weather Hardening

This antenna is an all-weather powerhouse strong enough to withstand ice storms and wind speeds up to 200 Km/Hr. For mission-critical navigation hubs, the antenna supports an optional coupler and dual monitoring probes. These probes allow for real-time sampling of the radiated signal at a level of -25 dB ± 1 dB below the input power, ensuring the station's navigational data remains within strict safety tolerances. With marine-grade 316 stainless steel mounting hardware and a 2.5-meter profile, the DME-960-1240-12 is the definitive choice for high-exposure regional navigation infrastructure.

Technical Features

• Ultra-High 12 dBi Gain: Focused 9-degree vertical beam maximizes signal reach for long-distance ground-to-air links.
• Broadband 960–1240 MHz Coverage: Optimized for the entire DME frequency spectrum without the need for field adjustments.
• True Omnidirectional Pattern: Center-fed architecture ensures symmetrical 360° horizontal coverage without pattern "squint."
• Friction Static Control: Specialized radome design dissipates static buildup from wind and sand, protecting sensitive aviation electronics.
• Fully Welded Internal Junctions: Eliminates Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM) for a cleaner, high-fidelity navigational signal.
• No Ground Plane Required: Provides peak electrical performance regardless of the mounting structure or mast type.
• Optional Signal Monitoring: Available coupler and probes provide precise -25 dB feedback for automated system health checks.
• Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel: High-quality hardware ensures maximum resistance to rust and salt fog in coastal climates.
• Ruggedized Fiberglass Radome: 45mm outer diameter enclosure provides excellent RF transparency and survivability in ice and high winds.
• High-Power 150W Capacity: Robust electrical design handles the continuous power demands of distance measuring equipment.

DME Site Optimization Guide: Precision Long-Range Navigation

In the 960–1240 MHz aeronautical band, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) ground stations must provide high-integrity pulse pairs to aircraft at extreme distances. The DME-960-1240-12 is an "Elite-Gain" antenna designed to push the boundaries of the radio horizon by focusing RF energy into a razor-sharp 9-degree vertical beam.

1. The Power of a 9-Degree Vertical Aperture

High-gain collinear antennas achieve their range by compressing the signal into a thin "disk." While a lower-gain antenna spreads power over a wider vertical area, the DME-960-1240-12 concentrates its 12 dBi gain almost entirely toward the horizon.

• Maximizing the Radio Horizon: A 9-degree vertical beamwidth ensures that the 150W transmitter power is directed where it is needed most—at distant aircraft. This prevents "wasting" power on the ground near the tower or into the upper atmosphere.
• Stable Long-Range Lock: This narrow aperture provides a massive link budget, allowing aircraft to achieve a stable DME lock much earlier in their flight path, which is critical for high-speed transition and approach phases.

2. Center-Fed Phased Array Stability

DME is a pulse-ranging technology. The accuracy of the distance measurement depends entirely on the ground station's ability to mirror the aircraft's interrogation pulse with microsecond precision.

• Eliminating Beam Squint: The Center-Fed design ensures that the signal reaches all brass elements simultaneously. This prevents "beam squinting"—where the signal tilts up or down as the frequency changes—ensuring the aircraft receives a consistent pulse shape across the entire 960–1240 MHz band.
• Zero PIM Construction: With fully welded junctions, the antenna avoids "mechanical noise" (Passive Inter-Modulation) that can occur in bolted assemblies. This results in a cleaner signal-to-noise ratio, vital for detecting weak return pulses from aircraft at the edge of the coverage zone.

3. Overcoming Static Interference in Arid Zones

DME receivers are highly sensitive to "impulse noise." In desert or high-wind environments, friction between air particles and the antenna radome creates static electricity (P-Static).

• Friction Static Control: The DME-960-1240-12 uses a high-tech radome designed to bleed off this static buildup. This ensures the antenna remains "electrically quiet," allowing the ground station to detect the weak return pulses from aircraft interrogators even during sandstorms or high-altitude wind events.

4. Safety-of-Life Monitoring (Optional)

For Category-rated navigational aids, the antenna must be "self-aware." If the radiation pattern is distorted by heavy ice or physical damage, the system must shut down or alert the technician.

• The -25 dB Monitoring Probes: The optional dual probes act as internal monitors. They provide a precise -25 dB sample of the 360-degree radiated wave back to the ground station's monitoring unit.
• D.C. Grounded Safety: Because these antennas are often the highest point on a structure, the D.C. grounded design is essential. It provides a low-resistance path to earth for static buildup and atmospheric discharges, protecting the sensitive receiver from lightning damage.

High-Gain Deployment Checklist

• Tower Plumb and Verticality: With a 9-degree vertical beam, mounting accuracy is critical. A tilt of just 2-3 degrees can send your primary signal into the ground or over the top of the intended flight corridor. Use a high-precision digital level during installation.
• Clearance and Siting: Ensure the antenna is mounted at the highest possible point. At 1.2 GHz, signal propagation is strictly line-of-sight; any physical obstruction (buildings, trees, or other towers) will create "shadow zones" in your 360-degree coverage.
• Low-Loss Feeders: To preserve the 12 dBi gain, use high-quality corrugated coaxial cables like LDF4-50A (1/2" Heliax). Standard braided cables have high attenuation at 1200 MHz, which can easily waste 3-4 dB of your antenna's gain over a long cable run.
• Connector Weatherproofing: The N-Female termination is enclosed at the bottom. Always use a professional weatherproofing kit (butyl rubber and UV-resistant tape) to prevent moisture wicking, which is the leading cause of DME system failure.