Development of an HF antenna leveling system for irregular terrain in Colombia

Abstract

The antenna fields used in the high frequency band are essential for the execution of tactical direction-finding operations of Electronic Warfare in signals intelligence. These systems require in their structural bases high leveling accuracy and stability to optimize and guarantee communication links. The implementation of each support and preparation of anchorage area requires high budgets and costs for civil works, since areas where they are distributed and configured are topographically irregular and difficult to access. The present study was carried out in order to develop a prototype of mechanical support for high frequency antennas leveling. Mixed research (qualitative and quantitative) of descriptive approach was applied to design and development of prototype called Keops, an alternative that provides robustness and efficiency to stabilize in a practical and safe way each antenna on irregular surfaces, with the advantage of being an easily transportable structure and with mechanical arrangement designed for that purpose. In addition, costs of adaptation, implementation or relocation of high frequency antenna systems are reduced, since there is no need for anchorages or structures that require leveling or flattening of the ground with concrete or other types of materials.

However, a theoretical review of several key concepts related to direction finding and HF antenna fields was developed. This is to make known what the needs are for developing a prototype of these characteristics for the Colombian National Army.