DME-960-1240-6

The DME-960-1240-6 is a professional-grade Fiberglass Omnidirectional Collinear Antenna specifically engineered for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) within the 960–1240 MHz frequency band. This ruggedized, all-weather phased array provides a constant 6+ dBi gain across the entire bandwidth, offering a wider vertical aperture than higher-gain models. Built with 6063T6 architectural aluminum and high-class brass alloys, it is a definitive choice for aeronautical navigation sites requiring reliable ground-to-air connectivity in extreme environmental conditions.

Design: Precision Radiation for Navigation Safety

The DME-960-1240-6 utilizes an advanced center-fed collinear dipole phased array design. This architecture is critical for aviation as it eliminates radiation pattern distortion and ensures a true, symmetrical 360-degree horizontal pattern. By stacking large-diameter brass radiating elements vertically and feeding them in phase, the antenna achieves a generous 36-degree vertical beamwidth. This wide aperture is highly beneficial for communicating with aircraft at various altitudes and steep approach angles, ensuring constant signal contact throughout the 960–1240 MHz range.

Construction: Engineered for Extreme Environments

Built for ultimate mechanical integrity, the DME-960-1240-6 features fully welded internal junctions to prevent RF inter-modulation and maintain signal purity. The radiating structure is completely enclosed within a high-tech ruggedized fiberglass radome, specifically engineered to control friction-induced static created by wind-blown dust and sand. All exposed metallic components are finished with an epoxy-based powder coating, providing total protection against salt spray, acid rain, and ultraviolet radiation in coastal or desert environments.

Reliability: Advanced Monitoring & Environmental Shielding

This antenna is an all-weather powerhouse engineered to meet rigorous MIL-STD-810G standards for shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. For mission-critical navigation hubs, the antenna offers an optional coupler and dual monitoring probes. These probes allow real-time monitoring of the radiated signal at a level of -25 dB ± 1 dB below the input power. With marine-grade 316 stainless steel mounting hardware and a wind rating of 200 Km/Hr, the DME-960-1240-6 provides a robust, maintenance-free solution for essential distance measuring infrastructure.

Technical Features

• Broadband 960–1240 MHz Coverage: Optimized for the full DME frequency spectrum without the need for field tuning or adjustments.
• Balanced 6+ dBi Gain: Delivers consistent signal strength across the horizon with a versatile vertical aperture.
• Wide 36-Degree Vertical Beamwidth: Ideal for "high-site" installations and maintaining links with aircraft at high elevations or steep approaches.
• No Ground Plane Required: Simplifies tower and rooftop installations while maintaining peak electrical performance.
• Friction Static Control: Advanced radome design dissipates static buildup from wind and dust, protecting sensitive receiver electronics.
• MIL-STD-810G Compliant: Certified for high/low temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, rain, fungus, and salt fog.
• Fully Welded Internal Junctions: Eliminates Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM) for a cleaner, high-fidelity navigational signal.
• Optional Signal Monitoring: Available coupler and probes provide precise -25 dB signal feedback for automated system health checks.
• Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel: Supplied with high-quality hardware for maximum corrosion resistance in high-salinity coastal zones.
• High-Power 150W Capacity: Robust electrical design handles the demanding power requirements of distance measuring equipment

DME Site Optimization Guide: Vertical Aperture and Signal Reliability

In the 960–1240 MHz aeronautical band, the success of a Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) link depends on the ground station's ability to maintain contact with aircraft at various altitudes and distances. While high-gain antennas focus energy into narrow beams for long-range reach, the DME-960-1240-6 utilizes a 36-degree vertical beamwidth to provide superior "close-in" and high-altitude connectivity.

1. The Advantage of a 36-Degree Vertical Beam

Navigational aids located near airports or in mountainous terrain often have to communicate with aircraft at steep look-angles.

• Coverage for High-Angle Approaches: A 36-degree beam provides a much taller "signal window" than high-gain collinear antennas. This ensures that an aircraft directly above the station or on a steep final approach remains within the primary radiation pattern.
• Eliminating "Cone of Silence": By providing a wider vertical aperture, the DME-960-1240-6 significantly reduces the "cone of silence" effect typically found directly above a vertical antenna, ensuring continuous distance data for the cockpit.

2. Pulse Integrity and Phased Array Stability

DME systems rely on the precise timing of pulse pairs. Any distortion in the signal’s phase or amplitude can result in distance calculation errors.

• Center-Fed Symmetry: The Center-Fed phased array design ensures that the signal is distributed evenly across the brass elements. 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 the "mechanical noise" (Passive Inter-Modulation) that can occur in bolted assemblies. This results in a cleaner signal-to-noise ratio, which is vital for the ground station to detect low-power interrogation pulses from distant aircraft.

3. Environmental Protection: Static and Weather

Aeronautical antennas are often the highest points on a structure, making them targets for atmospheric interference and extreme weather.

• Friction Static Dissipation: The ruggedized fiberglass radome is specifically designed to bleed off static charges created by wind-blown dust or sand. This prevents "static crashes" from overwhelming the DME receiver, maintaining link stability during storms.
• Shoreline Durability: The combination of 6063T6 aluminum and marine-grade 316 stainless steel mounting hardware ensures the antenna remains corrosion-free in high-salinity environments. The epoxy-based powder coating further protects against UV degradation and acid rain.

4. Real-Time Signal Monitoring (Optional)

For Category I/II/III navigation systems, the integrity of the radiated signal is a safety-of-life requirement.

• Near-Field Probes: The optional dual monitoring probes allow the system to sample the actual radiated signal at -25 dB ± 1 dB.
• Automated Safety: If the antenna's radiation pattern is compromised by heavy icing or physical damage, the monitoring system will immediately detect the change via the probe feedback, allowing air traffic control to be notified or the system to switch to a standby antenna.

Aeronautical Deployment Checklist

• Height vs. Aperture: Because the 36-degree beam is quite wide, the DME-960-1240-6 is highly effective even at moderate heights. It is an excellent choice for rooftop installations at airport terminals or on top of hangars.
• Ground Plane Independent: Since this antenna does not require a ground plane, it can be mounted on thin tactical masts or wooden poles without loss of gain or pattern distortion.
• Coaxial Feed Protection: The N-Female termination is enclosed at the base. Ensure you use a high-quality weatherproofing kit (butyl rubber and vinyl tape) to prevent moisture wicking, as water in the cable is the primary cause of DME pulse distortion.
• Lightning Grounding: Always bond the 51mm aluminum support pipe to the site's primary lightning protection system. While the fiberglass radome protects the internal elements, the mast must provide a low-resistance path to earth for atmospheric discharges.