DME-1100-11-180

The DME-1100-11-180 is a professional-grade High Gain Directional DME Antenna System engineered for the 960–1240 MHz aeronautical band. Delivering a powerful 11 dBi gain with a specialized 180-degree horizontal beamwidth, this antenna is designed for sectorized navigational coverage. Built to handle extreme peak pulse power up to 5,000 Watts, the DME-1100-11-180 is an ideal solution for airports, coastal corridors, and tactical navigation hubs where directed signal strength and long-term survivability are mission-critical.

Design: Balanced Sectorized Performance

The DME-1100-11-180 utilizes a sophisticated center-fed collinear dipole phased array paired with a high-performance 6063T6 aluminum reflector. This architecture ensures a true 180-degree horizontal radiation pattern while eliminating pattern distortion. By vertically stacking large-diameter brass elements fed in phase, the antenna achieves an 18-degree vertical beamwidth. This aperture strikes an excellent balance between long-range reach and vertical coverage, providing a constant 11 dBi gain across the entire broadband DME frequency range.

Construction: Ruggedized Tactical Engineering

Constructed for ultimate mechanical and electrical reliability, the DME-1100-11-180 features fully welded internal junctions to prevent RF inter-modulation and maintain signal purity. The radiating structure is completely protected within a high-tech ruggedized fiberglass radome, designed to ensure survivability in the worst environmental conditions, including high winds and heavy icing. The system operates at D.C. ground, providing a low-resistance discharge path for lightning protection and immunity to electrical noise—a vital requirement for high-precision DME pulse timing.

Reliability: 5KW Pulse Power & Advanced Monitoring

Specifically designed for the high-intensity duty cycles of Distance Measuring Equipment, this antenna handles a massive 5,000 Watts of peak pulse power. For mission-critical aviation sites, an optional coupler and dual monitoring probes are available, providing real-time radiated signal feedback at -25 dB ± 1 dB below the input power. With marine-grade 316 stainless steel mounting hardware and a tactical olive green finish, the DME-1100-11-180 is a robust, maintenance-free solution for both fixed and tactical aeronautical infrastructure.

Technical Features

• High-Intensity 11 dBi Gain: Focused 18-degree vertical beam delivers superior signal reach and penetration for regional navigation.
• Broad 180° Horizontal Sector: Optimized for corridor-specific navigation, directing energy forward to increase sector efficiency.
• Massive 5KW Pulse Power Capacity: Robust electrical design rated for standard high-intensity DME ground station pulses.
• Center-Fed Phased Array: Eliminates pattern "squint" and distortion, ensuring pulse stability across the entire 960–1240 MHz band.
• Fully Welded Internal Junctions: Prevents Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM) for cleaner signal transmission and pulse integrity.
• Integrated Lightning Protection: D.C. grounded design shunts atmospheric discharges safely to the tower ground.
• Optional Signal Monitoring: Available probes allow for automated near-field signal health checks and monitor compliance.
• Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel: Supplied with high-quality hardware for maximum corrosion resistance in coastal zones.
• Rugged Fiberglass Radome: Provides 360-degree protection against ice, UV radiation, and physical impact.
• Factory Tuned Readiness: Arrives pre-calibrated for immediate deployment without the need for field adjustments.

DME Sector Coverage Guide: Optimized Navigation with the DME-1100-11-180

In aeronautical navigation, providing a broad but controlled signal is often more efficient than a full 360-degree omni-directional broadcast. The DME-1100-11-180 is engineered to provide a substantial 11 dBi gain across a 180-degree horizontal beamwidth, making it the ideal "sector antenna" for specific geographical and tactical challenges.

1. Strategic Sectorized Efficiency

For many navigational corridors—such as those following a coastline, a deep valley, or a specific international airway—providing a signal "behind" the tower is unnecessary and can cause signal interference.

• Front-Loaded Power: The 6063T6 aluminum reflector forces all radiated energy into the forward hemisphere. This doubling of effective power ensures that the forward sector is saturated with a high-strength signal, pushing the "Radio Horizon" further for approaching aircraft.
• 11 dBi Gain Advantage: This gain level provides a massive link budget, allowing aircraft to achieve a stable DME lock much earlier in their flight path compared to lower-gain omni-directional alternatives.

2. Vertical Aperture and Pulse Integrity

DME systems rely on the precise timing of pulse pairs. Any distortion in the radiation pattern can lead to timing "jitter" and distance errors.

• The 18-Degree Vertical Beam: With an 18-degree vertical beamwidth, this antenna provides a balanced signal "window." It is narrow enough to maintain high gain but wide enough to remain "forgiving" for aircraft at different altitudes or those on steep final approaches.
• Center-Fed Phased Array: The Center-Fed design ensures that the pulse signal reaches all brass elements simultaneously. This prevents "beam squinting" (where the signal tilts as the frequency changes), ensuring a consistent pulse shape across the entire 960–1240 MHz band.

3. Managing 5,000 Watt High-Power Pulses

DME systems operate using high-intensity pulse pairs. The ability to handle 5,000 Watts (5KW) of peak pulse power is a critical reliability factor for ground stations.

• Thermal and Electrical Hardening: The fully welded brass junctions of the DME-1100-11-180 ensure that these 5KW pulses are transmitted without internal arcing or PIM (Passive Inter-Modulation), which could otherwise "blur" the pulse timing.
• D.C. Grounded Safety: Because these antennas are often mounted on high, exposed masts, the D.C. grounded design is essential. It provides a low-resistance path to earth for static buildup and atmospheric discharges, protecting the sensitive 5KW transmitter.

4. Real-Time Signal Monitoring (Optional)

For Category-rated navigation sites, the integrity of the radiated signal must be constantly verified.

• The -25 dB Monitoring Probes: The optional dual probes act as internal monitors. They provide a precise sample of the actual radiated 180-degree wave back to the station’s monitoring unit.
• Immediate Fault Detection: If the 180-degree pattern is distorted by heavy icing or physical damage, the probes will detect a shift in the -25 dB signal level, allowing the system to automatically switch to a backup or alert air traffic control.

Sectorized Deployment Checklist

• Orientation and Aiming: While the 180-degree beam is wide, the center of the reflector must be aligned precisely with the center of the required flight corridor to maximize the 11 dBi gain.
• Vertical Beam Management: With an 18-degree vertical beam, this antenna is an excellent choice for "high-site" installations where aircraft may be significantly below the antenna's physical horizon during their approach.
• Pulse Power Cabling: To handle 5KW pulses at 1200 MHz, use high-grade corrugated coaxial cables like LDF4-50A (1/2" Heliax). Standard braided cables may experience "voltage breakdown" or excessive heat under continuous high-power DME duty cycles.
• Connector Weatherproofing: The N-Female termination is protected at the base. Always use a professional weatherproofing kit (butyl rubber and UV-resistant tape) to prevent moisture wicking. In DME systems, even minor moisture can cause pulse distortion and system failure.