APT-1617

The APT-1617 is the most compact and agile member of the NATO Band III grid parabolic series. Designed for rapid-response tactical teams, this 0.65-meter (2-foot) antenna provides a significant gain boost in a highly portable package, making it the premier choice for "on-the-move" military radio relay.

Performance Features

The APT-1617 is a high-performance tactical antenna engineered for the 1350–1850 MHz range. Despite its small footprint, it delivers an isotropic gain that scales from 15.5 dBi to 17.5 dBi, ensuring a strong directional link for point-to-point communication. Its defining characteristic is its extreme portability; weighing only 6 Kgs, it is designed for single-operator installation. The antenna features a quick-fastener system for the primary feed and mounting hardware that allows users to switch between vertical and horizontal polarization in the field without disassembling the unit.

Durability and Construction

Built to sustain operations in the world's harshest theaters, the APT-1617 is constructed from 6063T6 architectural-grade aluminum alloy. The radiating elements and dipole feed are made of high-quality brass to ensure maximum electrical efficiency. For environmental protection, the unit is finished with an olive green epoxy-based anti-corrosive paint, and all fasteners are made of marine-grade stainless steel. It is fully MIL-STD-810G compliant, capable of operating in temperatures from -30°C to +70°C and surviving severe conditions such as salt fog, heavy rain, and high-impact shocks.

Operational Efficiency

Efficiency in the APT-1617 is centered on its ability to maintain clear communication in crowded electromagnetic environments. A 22 dB Typical Front-to-Back ratio ensures that the antenna ignores interference from co-sited equipment. For electrical safety and signal purity, the antenna features a direct D.C. Ground path, which protects against lightning strikes and bleeds off static noise. Its open-grid design is aerodynamically efficient, maintaining structural integrity in wind speeds up to 160 Km/Hr.

The APT-1617 is the ultra-portable tactical solution for NATO Band III (1350–1850 MHz). Engineered for high-mobility units, this 0.65-meter (2-foot) grid parabolic antenna delivers a powerful directional link while maintaining a "grab-and-go" weight profile of only 6 Kgs.

Detailed Technical Features - RF & Electrical Performance

• Frequency Optimization: Specifically tuned for the 1350–1850 MHz range, providing seamless interoperability with standard NATO Band III radio relay sets.
• Progressive Isotropic Gain: Despite its compact aperture, the electrical design maximizes signal punch across the band:
  • 15.5 dBi at the Low Band (1350 MHz)
  • 16.5 dBi at the Mid Band (1600 MHz)
  • 17.5 dBi Typical at the High Band (1850 MHz)
• Wide-Angle Precision: Offers a half-power beam-width that narrows from 26° to 19° as frequency increases. This slightly wider beam compared to larger dishes makes alignment significantly faster for rapid-deployment teams in high-stress environments.
• Signal Integrity & Isolation:
  • 22 dB Typical Front-to-Back Ratio: Provides high rejection of rear-ward noise, essential for maintaining link quality when operating near other electronic equipment.
  • Cross-Polarization Purity: High-grade linear polarization ensures that the antenna effectively ignores signals from opposite polarities, reducing the noise floor in congested spectrums.
• High Power & Safety:
  • 250 Watts CW: Robust power handling capacity for high-intensity tactical microwave links.
  • Direct D.C. Grounding: The radiating element is internally grounded to provide a low-resistance discharge path, protecting the radio system from lightning strikes and static interference.

Detailed Mechanical Features - Structural Engineering & Materials

• Reflector Architecture: The 0.65-meter (2-foot) grid dish is fabricated from 6063T6 architectural-grade aluminum alloy, offering the highest strength-to-weight ratio and natural resistance to stress-corrosion cracking.
• Aerodynamic Grid Construction: * Support Rim: 25.4mm (1") outer diameter aluminum tube provides a rigid frame for the parabolic surface.
  • Grid Members: 12.7mm (1/2") outer diameter aluminum pipes, spaced to allow high-velocity winds to pass through the reflector, drastically reducing wind-loading on the mast.
• High-Efficiency Feed: The radiating elements and the dipole feed are crafted from High-Quality Brass, ensuring maximum electrical conductivity and minimal signal loss at the focal point.
• Marine-Grade Hardware: Every screw, nut, and bolt is manufactured from Marine-Grade Stainless Steel to prevent oxidation and "seizing" in high-salinity coastal or tropical jungle theaters.

Tactical Versatility & Logistics

• Ultra-Lightweight Profile: At just 6 Kgs (gross weight), the APT-1617 is the lightest high-gain antenna in its class, designed for single-operator manual handling and easy integration into man-portable tactical kits.
• Quick-Fastener System: The primary feed horn attaches to the reflector center using a tool-free quick-fastener, allowing for deployment in under three minutes.
• Field-Adjustable Polarization: The mounting arrangement at the rear permits a 90-degree rotation, enabling the operator to switch between Vertical and Horizontal polarization without dismounting the antenna.
• Mounting Interface: Clamps securely onto any standard vertical mast with a diameter up to 52 mm (2 inches).
• Stealth Coating: Finished in a matte Olive Green epoxy-based anti-corrosive powder paint, providing a low visual and infrared signature.

Environmental Resilience (MIL-STD-810G)

The APT-1617 is fully ruggedized to ensure mission-critical communication remains uninterrupted in extreme climates:

• High-Wind Stability: Aerodynamically optimized to maintain its alignment and integrity in wind speeds up to 160 Km/Hr.
• Global Thermal Compliance: Operational from -30°C to +70°C and storage-rated from -40°C to +80°C.
• Full Ruggedization: Tested to MIL-STD-810G for:
  • Salt Fog (Method 509.5): Essential for naval, coastal, and offshore operations.
  • Blown Rain (Method 506.5): Ensures zero water ingress into the feed during heavy monsoons.
  • Shock & Vibration (Method 516.6): Ruggedized for high-impact tactical handling and transport in rough terrain vehicles.

EU Environmental & Safety Compliances

To meet international regulatory and environmental safety standards for global deployment, the antenna adheres to the following:

• RoHS Compliant: Restricted use of hazardous substances (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, etc.) in all electronic components and solder joints.
• REACH Compliant: Ensures all chemical substances used in the fiberglass radome and copper coatings are registered and safe for human health and the environment.
• WEEE Directive: Designed for high-end lifecycle management with recyclable aluminum and copper materials, facilitating sustainable disposal.
• CE Mark: Fully compliant with EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

Key Advantages

• Ultra-Portability: At just 6 Kgs, it is the ideal choice for small tactical teams that must move quickly and carry their own communication gear.
• Wide Polarization Flexibility: Rear mounting hardware allows for on-the-fly switching between Horizontal and Vertical polarization.
• Stealth and Low Profile: The small aperture and grid design offer a lower visual and wind-load profile compared to larger dishes.
• Corrosion-Proof Life Cycle: 316-grade stainless steel and epoxy coating ensure a long service life in saline coastal environments.

Key Applications

• Forward Operating Base (FOB) Links: Provides the directional link for small, remote outposts.
• Mobile Command & Control: Ideal for vehicle-mounted masts or temporary command centers.
• UAV Ground Control Stations: Reliable, high-gain link for managing unmanned systems and receiving sensor data.
• Rapid Emergency Response: Quickly establishes wireless bridges for disaster relief when fixed infrastructure is down.