LP-170-860

The LP-170-860 is a high-gain, tactical Log Periodic Dipole Antenna engineered for precision directional performance across the 170–860 MHz spectrum. This frequency range is a critical crossover point, spanning High-VHF and the majority of the UHF band, making it ideal for monitoring military aviation, tactical ground-to-air links, and digital broadcast surveillance. Built from 6063T6 architectural aluminum and featuring a rapid-assembly design, this antenna delivers a stable 9 dBi gain in a compact, 1.1-meter frame, ensuring maximum radiation efficiency for SIGINT, jamming, and wideband scanning.

Design: Wideband Versatility & Precision Focus

The LP-170-860 is optimized for operators who require "gapless" coverage across the VHF/UHF transition zone without switching hardware.

• Elite 9 dBi Gain: By utilizing full-sized, non-loaded radiating elements, the antenna achieves exceptional gain and a focused 70-degree horizontal beamwidth. This allows for extreme precision in signal targeting and significantly increased range compared to standard broadband antennas.
• Rapid Single-Technician Assembly: Featuring foldable/removable elements and a stainless steel stud system, the antenna can be fully assembled by one person in less than 5 minutes.
• Rear-End Mounting Mastery: Supplied with a rear-end mounting bracket as standard, ensuring the support mast does not interfere with the antenna's radiation pattern. A "Center of Gravity" mounting option is available for specialized weight-balanced deployments.

Construction: Combat-Tier Hardening

Constructed from 6063T6 architectural anodized aluminum alloy, the LP-170-860 is built for a long service life in active combat zones.

• MIL-STD-810G Certified: Rigorously tested for extreme temperature, shock, vibration, rain, and salt fog. It is specifically engineered to thrive in coastal, monsoon, or desert environments.
• Marine-Grade Durability: All hardware is made of Type 316 marine-grade stainless steel. The entire array is protected by an epoxy-based Olive Green powder coating for total corrosion resistance and tactical low visibility.
• Integrated Safety: Operates at D.C. ground, providing a low-resistance discharge path for lightning and suppressing atmospheric static to ensure an ultra-quiet noise floor for sensitive surveillance.

Technical Features

• Precision 170–860 MHz Coverage: Replaces multiple antennas for High-VHF and UHF applications.
• 250W CW Power Handling: Rugged enough for continuous-duty jamming or tactical transmission.
• High-Efficiency 9 dBi Gain: Focused directional precision for long-range intercepts.
• Polarization Agility: Permits quick changes between Vertical and Horizontal orientation.
• Mechanical Resilience: Extra spacers between support booms and square-tube architecture for high-wind stability (200 Km/Hr).
• Cross Polarization Discrimination: Superior 22 dB discrimination ensures high signal isolation and clarity.

Integration Guide: Dominating the VHF/UHF Spectrum

1. Ground-to-Air Signal Isolation

In the signal-dense 170-860 MHz band, isolating specific tactical links requires a surgical directional focus.

• The Precision Advantage: The focused 70-degree beamwidth acts as a directional "spotlight." This allows an operator to isolate a specific target while physically "nulling out" interference from the sides and rear.

2. Tactical Jamming (EW) Strategy

At 250 Watts, the LP-170-860 acts as a powerful directional floodlight. Its 9 dBi gain acts as an RF magnifying glass, concentrating energy into a focused cone, exponentially increasing your Effective Radiated Power (ERP) compared to an omnidirectional antenna.

3. Site Protection & Front-to-Back Isolation

High-power transmission requires operator safety. The 17 dB Front-to-Back ratio ensures that while energy is projected at the target, the monitoring team behind the boom remains shielded, protecting sensitive SIGINT equipment and personnel.

Strategic EW & SIGINT Guide: 170–860 MHz VHF/UHF Mastery

The LP-170-860 is a surgical strike tool for the 170–860 MHz spectrum. This range is a critical "bridge" in tactical communications, hosting High-VHF military air-to-ground links, digital trunked radio (P25/TETRA), and UHF surveillance bands. At these frequencies, signal propagation transitions from terrain-following to strictly line-of-sight, making the LP-170-860’s 9 dBi gain and high-fidelity isolation mandatory for mission success.

1. Mastering the VHF/UHF Transition

Signals in the 170–860 MHz range are small enough to be blocked by buildings and hills but large enough to "creep" around edges.

• The Precision Advantage: The focused 70-degree horizontal beamwidth of the LP-170-860 acts as an RF "spotlight." This allows an operator to isolate a specific tactical repeater or an aircraft's transmission while physically "nulling out" interference from nearby urban noise.
• Range Extension: Every 6 dB of gain effectively doubles your reception range. The 9 dBi gain allows you to pull in weak signals from distances where standard omnidirectional antennas would only see static.

2. Defeating Multipath & Polarization Rotation

UHF signals at these frequencies reflect sharply off glass, metal, and concrete. Each reflection can cause the signal's polarization to shift—a phenomenon known as Polarization Rotation.

• The "Null" Problem: Most tactical handhelds are vertically polarized. If a signal reflects off a slanted roof, it may arrive at your site with a significant horizontal shift. A standard vertical antenna would experience a signal dropout of up to 20 dB.
• The Tactical Solution: The LP-170-860 features a flexible mounting arrangement that allows operators to switch between Horizontal and Vertical polarization in seconds. This ensures you can match the orientation of the incoming reflected wave to maintain a stable, high-fidelity intercept.

3. High-Power Jamming & J/S Ratio Optimization

To successfully disrupt a target link (e.g., a 400 MHz emergency services net or an 800 MHz data link), you must achieve a superior Jamming-to-Signal (J/S) ratio at the victim’s receiver.

• 250W Continuous Power: The LP-170-860 acts as a powerful directional "floodlight." Its 9 dBi gain acts as an RF magnifying glass, concentrating 250 Watts of energy into a focused cone.
• ERP Advantage: This concentration exponentially increases your Effective Radiated Power (ERP). You can successfully "drown out" a legitimate signal from several kilometers away, even when the adversary is using high-power mobile transmitters.

4. "Silent" Monitoring: D.C. Grounding & Noise Floor

For sensitive SIGINT operations, the "Noise Floor" is the ultimate enemy. High-speed wind or dry air moving across the 1.1-meter array creates Precipitation Static (P-Static), which sounds like an electronic hiss in the receiver.

• The Solution: The LP-170-860 is D.C. Grounded. It constantly bleeds off this static charge to the mast and earth. This ensures the lowest possible noise floor, allowing you to detect low-power "hidden" transmissions or frequency-hopping signals that would be buried in the static of an ungrounded system.

Tactical Deployment Checklist

• Rear-End Mounting Advantage: By mounting at the rear of the boom, you can use a standard metal mast without worrying about it distorting your signal. Ensure the mast is at least 51mm (2 inches) in diameter for stability.
• Cable Integrity: In the 800 MHz range, cable loss becomes significant. Avoid standard RG-58. Use LMR-400 or LMR-600. Every 3 dB of cable loss effectively cuts your jamming power or reception sensitivity in half.
• Rapid 5-Minute Setup: Take full advantage of the foldable/removable elements. In modern EW, speed is survival. The LP-170-860's speed of assembly (under 5 minutes) is a key survivability feature for "jump" missions.
• Boresight Alignment: Because the beamwidth is 70 degrees, a 35-degree error in alignment will drop your gain significantly. Use a compass to ensure the antenna is pointed exactly at the target sector for maximum intercept probability.