Aggressively rolling out its VICTS technology that incorporates innovative magnetic technology for high-power microwave communications systems, phased array antenna company ThinKom Solutions continues to apply the technology for new applications in defense and commercial markets. In two recent developments, the Hawthorne, California-based company:
- has created for military forces a rapid tracking system, named Alecto, that is designed to defeat swarms of unmanned aircraft with “fire on the move” capability, expanding the company’s portfolio in high-power microwave directed energy weapons.
- has launched a new containerized digital array for the enterprise and defense markets. The transportable ground station is designed to replace vulnerable dish-based ground entry points with a compact, rapidly deployable ground node that enables decentralized communications for mission-critical operations.
As previously reported in Magnetics Magazine, the “Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub” phased array antennas use magnetic induction to drive the stub discs within the antenna that rotate to steer the beams. While magnetic induction is the core principle for rotating the internal passive layers or platters to control the phase distribution and steer the antenna beam, systems from Thinkom also employ high-torque permanent magnet brushless DC motors to enable speedy satellite switching.
Alecto for battling drone swarms
Alecto, introduced in April, combines the company’s VICTS technology with advanced vacuum electronics for exceptional power generation that eliminates the need for prior target knowledge, which is essential for countering rapidly evolving unmanned air systems. The combination delivers peak power densities orders of magnitude higher than gallium nitride-based AESAs. The VICTS—a steerable, mechanical phased array antenna—provides high precision and low sidelobes, delivering effects without collateral damage.
The system offers horizon-to-horizon coverage in a low-profile, compact design. Reducing size, weight, power and cost from traditional HPM systems, Alecto can unlock smaller platform installations such as infantry squad vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.
“With Alecto, ThinKom demonstrates its dedication to equipping the warfighter with critical, enabling solutions needed on the modern battlefield,” explains Dan Roman, VP of EW/HPM. “By investing our own capital, we have been able to greatly accelerate the development cycles, embodying the agility required by the Department of War.”
Containerized digital array ground stations
Engineers at ThinKom designed the transportable ground station to replace vulnerable dish-based ground entry points with a compact, rapidly deployable ground node that enables decentralized communications for mission-critical operations. As modern proliferated satellite networks increasingly expose the limitations of large static ground infrastructure, the system provides resilient communications in remote or contested, multi-domain environments.
Powered by VICTS and equipped with ThinKom’s digital beamforming technology, the Containerized Digital Array features concealed, coherently combined phased-array antenna modules integrated within a rugged shipping container to take advantage of established logistics and minimal site preparation. The fully customizable interior supports mission-specific equipment including servers, networking and power systems, with options for enhanced security and environmental controls. The system is part of ThinKom’s family of modular ground stations capable of operating from S- through E-band frequencies and a range of fixed and mobile configurations.
“We continue to look for new and innovative ways to support our customers and the warfighter,” explained Bill Milroy, CTO and co-founder at ThinKom, when the array was announced in March. “Our latest Containerized Digital Array product addresses end users’ needs with the ability to maintain assured data transport for edge-of-network applications such as deployable gateways, modular data centers, and disaster recovery.” In May, it was selected as the overall winner of the U.S. Space Systems Command “Fight Tonight” competition. For more info, see www.thinkom.com.
