APT-4732

The APT-4732 sits at a strategic sweet spot in the NATO Band IV lineup, offering a significant gain of 31.5 dBi while maintaining a weight profile that allows for single-operator installation. It is the ideal choice for high-speed microwave links where rapid deployment and wind resistance are paramount.

Performance Features

The APT-4732 is a high-gain tactical microwave antenna specifically designed for the 4400–5000 MHz frequency range. Its 1.3-meter diameter grid reflector produces a highly focused 3.5-degree beam-width, providing excellent directional stability for point-to-point radio relay. A key operational feature is its mounting versatility, which allows a single operator to quickly switch between vertical and horizontal polarization. The antenna is illuminated by a primary feed horn that utilizes a quick-fastener system, making field assembly fast and intuitive without compromising signal integrity.

Durability and Ruggedness

Constructed from high-grade 6063T6 aluminum alloy, the APT-4732 is built to endure the most severe environmental conditions. It features an army green finish and is secured with marine-grade stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion. The antenna is fully compliant with MIL-STD-810G standards, including resistance to salt fog, heavy rain, and extreme thermal ranges from -40°C to +80°C. Notably, it boasts a superior wind rating of 200 Km/Hr, ensuring it remains structurally sound and operational during hurricane-force winds.

Operational Efficiency

Efficiency in the APT-4732 is driven by its high 31.5 dBi gain and exceptional interference rejection. With a 30 dB Front-to-Back ratio and 30 dB Cross-Polarization discrimination, it ensures that data throughput remains high even when multiple antennas are co-sited on a single mast. Its relatively low gross weight of 12 Kgs means that high-capacity microwave backhaul can be established quickly by a single person, drastically reducing deployment time in critical tactical situations.

RF & Electrical Performance

• Wideband Capability: Covers the complete NATO Band IV (4.4 - 5.0 GHz).
• High Mid-Band Gain: Provides a robust 31.5 dBi isotropic gain.
• Tight Signal Focus: 3.5° Half Power Beam-width for secure, directional microwave links.
• Superior Isolation: 30 dB Front-to-Back ratio and 30 dB Cross Polarization for noise-free communication in congested spectrums.
• Power Handling: Rated for 100 Watts CW (Continuous Wave).
• Impedance & Termination: Standard 50 Ohms impedance with an N-Female termination.

Mechanical & Structural Engineering

• Optimized Reflector: 1.3-meter grid parabolic dish provides high aperture efficiency with low wind loading.
• Lightweight Build: Gross weight of only 12 Kgs, facilitating single-operator installation.
• Premium Materials: Reflector and support pipes made from 6063T6 Aluminum; radiating elements crafted from High-Quality Brass.
• Field Polarization: Quick-change hardware for switching between Vertical and Horizontal linear polarization.
• Hardware: All fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts) are made of Stainless Steel.

Environmental Resilience

• Extreme Wind Rating: Engineered to survive wind speeds up to 200 Km/Hr.
• MIL-STD-810G Certified: Tested for Salt Fog (Method 509.5), Rain (Method 506.5), and Humidity (Method 507.5).
• Thermal Range: Operational from -30°C to +70°C.
• Shock & Vibration: Compliant with Method 516.6 (Procedure IV) for tactical handling and transport.

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 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.

The APT-4732 is a high-performance microwave relay solution that balances extreme high-gain performance with operational mobility. With a 1.3-meter reflector, it provides a strategic middle ground between the man-portable 0.9m models and the larger 1.6m infrastructure-grade systems.

Key Advantages

• Optimal Power-to-Weight Ratio: Providing 31.5 dBi of gain while weighing only 12 Kgs, the APT-4732 is uniquely designed for single-operator installation. This allows a small tactical team to establish a high-capacity link without the logistical burden of multi-person assembly.
• Extreme Wind Stability (200 Km/Hr): The grid design is aerodynamically optimized to minimize wind-loading. With a 200 Km/Hr rating, this antenna can maintain link alignment and structural integrity in hurricane-force winds, making it the most reliable choice for mountain-top installations.
• Superior Signal Isolation (30 dB Cross-Pol): In complex tactical environments, the antenna’s 30 dB Cross Polarization Discrimination and 30 dB Front-to-Back ratio are critical. These features ensure that the antenna ignores signals from the rear and side, and effectively distinguishes between vertical and horizontal signals, allowing for high-density co-siting.
• Rapid Polarization Switching: Tactical requirements often change mid-mission. The mounting hardware is engineered for a "quick-flip" between Horizontal and Vertical polarization, allowing operators to optimize the link for terrain or to avoid interference without a full teardown.
• Marine-Grade Environmental Shielding: Utilizing 6063T6 aluminum and stainless steel hardware, the antenna is immune to the corrosive effects of salt spray and industrial pollutants. Its MIL-STD-810G certification for Salt Fog and Blown Rain ensures a maintenance-free lifecycle in coastal theater operations.

Key Applications

1. Rapid-Response Tactical Backhaul

The APT-4732 is the preferred solution for mobile units that need to establish high-speed data trunks immediately upon arrival at a site. It provides enough gain to leapfrog over difficult obstacles while being light enough to be mounted on vehicle-integrated masts.

2. High-Altitude Mountain Relay Stations

Because of its 200 Km/Hr wind rating, this model is specifically deployed at high-altitude relay points where wind speeds are consistently high. It ensures that critical NATO Band IV communication links remain stable during severe weather events.

3. Coastal and Island Defense Networks

The combination of high gain and salt-fog resistance makes the APT-4732 ideal for maritime surveillance. It is used to connect remote island outposts or coastal sensor stations (Radar/EO-IR) to a central mainland command center over long over-water paths.

4. Electronic Warfare (EW) Resilient Links

With a narrow 3.5-degree beam-width, the antenna focuses RF energy into a tight corridor. This "pencil beam" makes the link significantly harder for enemy EW units to detect via side-lobe leakage and provides more "power on target" to burn through active jamming attempts.

5. Urban C4I Infrastructure

In urban environments where the 5GHz spectrum is heavily saturated, the APT-4732’s high Front-to-Back ratio allows it to operate cleanly despite reflections from buildings or interference from nearby commercial and military signals.

Technical Performance Summary