AH-3842 SNG Helical Antenna | 3.8-4.2 GHz 17 dBic High Gain
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AH-3842

High Gain Circular Polarized Helical Antenna

ModelProduct DescriptionFrequencyGainDownloadPDFEnquiry
AH-3842High Gain Circular Polarized Helical Antenna3800-4200MHz17 dBiDownload DatasheetDownload ManualPost Enquiry

The AH-3842 is a professional-grade High-Gain Helical Antenna specifically engineered for Mobile Satellite News Gathering (SNG) and C-band tactical communications within the 3.8–4.2 GHz spectrum. Delivering a potent 17 dBic gain in an ultra-lightweight 500 Grams form factor, this directional aperture is optimized for rapid-deployment vehicles and man-portable satellite terminals. By utilizing advanced helical winding and circular polarization (RHCP/LHCP), the AH-3842 provides superior penetration through atmospheric interference and obstructions, offering a more compact and rugged alternative to bulky parabolic dishes for mobile broadcasting.

Battlefield Durability: Built to survive the most punishing environmental extremes

The AH-3842 is encased in a high-strength, low-diameter (45 mm) fiberglass radome that shields the precision copper radiating elements from physical impact, ice loading, and corrosive atmospheres. Utilizing marine-grade stainless steel hardware and an aerodynamic cylindrical enclosure, this antenna maintains structural integrity in winds up to 200 Km/Hr and extreme thermal cycles from -30°C to +70°C, making it mission-ready for both urban news cycles and remote tactical deployments.

Operational Efficiency: Maximum power projection and signal integrity

Efficiency is maximized by utilizing high-purity copper radiating elements and a factory-tuned architecture that ensures a consistent link across the entire bandwidth. Its highly focused 35-degree beamwidth and 18 dB Front-to-Back ratio ensure that the 150W of RF power is concentrated exactly where it is needed, maximizing signal-to-noise ratios for high-definition video uplinks while preventing interference with nearby ground-based systems.

Technical Features

  • High-Gain SNG Performance: Delivers a potent 17 dBic gain for superior satellite link stability.
  • Circular Polarization (CP): Available in LHCP or RHCP to virtually eliminate Faraday rotation and minimize multipath interference.
  • Precision Steering Suite: Supplied with a specialized mounting arrangement for 360° Azimuth and 90° Elevation tracking for satellite discovery.
  • Extreme SWaP Efficiency: Weighs less than 1 Kg with a length of only 300 mm, offering an elite gain-to-weight ratio for mobile platforms.
  • Scalable Array Options: For ultra-high gain requirements, the system can be supplied in DUAL or QUAD stacked arrays with specialized power splitters.
  • Low Wind Loading: Cylindrical design prevents "sail" effects on top of mobile news vans or tactical masts.

Global Compliances & MIL-STD Hardening

The AH-3842 is rigorously tested to MIL-STD-810G protocols, ensuring 24/7 survivability in the most hostile tactical environments:

StandardTest CategoryTactical Environmental Resilience
Thermal RangeOperationalFrom arctic freezes to desert heat (-30°C to +70°C).
Shock/VibrationMethod 516.6 / 514.6Secured copper winding and stainless steel hardware prevents mechanical drift.
Salt FogMethod 509.5Marine-grade resistance for littoral, naval, and coastal applications.
Rain/HumidityMethod 506.5 / 507.5100% sealed against moisture ingress, heavy rain, and tropical fungus.
Wind RatingAerodynamicStructural integrity maintained in high-velocity winds up to 200 Km/Hr.

Strategic EW, SIGINT & Monitoring Compatibility

  • Electronic Warfare (EW): Acts as a high-intensity directional jammer for C-band satellite and data links, utilizing its 17 dBic gain to saturate target receivers.
  • Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): The clean noise floor and high gain allow for the interception of weak, long-range C-band telemetry and satellite command signals.
  • Mobile Surveillance: Perfectly suited for mobile platforms requiring a high-gain intercept tool that can be steered rapidly to track satellites or aerial assets.

Global & Environmental Compliances

  • MIL-STD Hardening: Designed to meet rigorous protocols for Temperature, Humidity, Shock, and Vibration.
  • RoHS & REACH: Constructed with eco-friendly, lead-free components compliant with EU chemical safety registrations.
  • WEEE Directive: Supports high-end lifecycle management with recyclable aluminum and copper components.
  • CE Certified: Meets all European Union safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

Key Advantages

  • Multipath Immunity: Inherently rejects reflected signals, providing a stable link in dense urban environments.
  • Compact Form Factor: Significantly smaller and more robust than equivalent gain parabolic dishes or Yagi arrays.
  • High Power Capacity: Handles up to 150 Watts of continuous-duty RF transmission.
  • Zero Field Tuning: Factory-tuned for immediate "plug-and-play" deployment.

Key Applications

  • Mobile SNG: Rapid-deployment satellite news gathering and live broadcasting.
  • Satellite Telemetry: High-gain Ground-to-Space links for C-band satellite tracking.
  • Tactical C-Band Bridges: Establishing secure, high-capacity data links in hostile terrain.
  • UAV Command & Control: Reliable long-range directional links for tactical aerial assets.

 

Design Features: The AH-3842 uses extended stubs to provide the greater gain while maintaining the wider beam-width making it perfect for satellite news gathering application. This high-gain low-profile antennas use Circular Polarization Antenna Technology - which delivers better penetration through obstruction and interference. This commercial grade mobile SNG antenna provides superior performance as compare to significantly larger and more expensive products. Our AH series helical antennas are smaller than conventional yagi antenna. The SNG antenna is highly suitable for mobile satellite news gathering systems. The AH-3842 SNG Helical Antenna is supplied with a specially designed mounting arrangement for steering the antenna in both planes, over 360 Degrees in Azimuth and 90 Degrees in Elevation for terrestrial and satellite links.

Constructions: : The AH-3842, like all our AH series helical antennas, utilizes circular polarization to minimize the effects of multipath interference. Both Right Hand Circular Polarized (RHCP) and Left Hand Circular Polarized (LHCP) SNG helical antenna models are available. The AH-3842 SNG Helical Antenna is light weight, broadband and rugged helical antennas, supplied with fiberglass radome to protect the antenna from environment. Cylindrical enclosure is used for low wind loading and for minimal effect of ice formation on the SNG helical antenna operation as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

For higher gain requirement, the Helical antenna can be supplied in DUAL stacked or QUAD stacked arrays with suitable power splitter/combiner cable harness.

Electrical Specifications:
Frequency Range3800-4200 MHz
Gain17 dBi
Bandwidth3.8-4.2GHz
Antenna TypeHelix
PolarizationCircular - LHCP or RHCP
Input Impedance50 Ohms
Radiation PatternDirectional
Horizontal Beamwidth -Half Power Points45 Degrees
Front to Back Ratio18 dB.
VSWR - Equal To or Better Then2:1
RF Power Handling Capacity150 Watts
Input TerminationN-Female


 

Mechanical Specifications:
Antenna MaterialsCopper, Aluminum & Fiberglass
Mounting Hardware -MaterialsMarine Grdae Stainless Steel
Wind Rating200 KMPH
Overall Length300 mm
Shipping Length350 mm
Radiating MaterialHigh Quality Copper
Maximum Mount Pipe Diameter52 mm (2 Inches)
Radome MaterialHigh Strength Fiber Glass
Radome Outer Diameter45 mm
Gross Weight1 Kgs.


 

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