Custom-Built Antennas for Mission-Critical Applications

Under fire, isolated, in a remote location, soldiers in impossible situations always depend on reliable communication.

High-quality, dependable, durable antennas make a difference in critical situations of all types–military, emergency response, and more. With over fifty years of experience designing and manufacturing antennas, STI-CO® knows what it takes to support effective  military communications.

In this article, we will:

• Review specialized communications needs for military applications
• Explain how STI-CO® is responding to these challenges and addressing the needs of military personnel
• Discuss STI-CO®’s solutions, manufacturing process, and warranty support
• Take a look ahead in terms of future antenna designs

Specialized Needs for Military Applications

Regardless of the assignment, military personnel have a job to do and must be prepared for ever-changing conditions and challenges when dealing with  radio communications equipment, including:

• Environmental Concerns
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions such as rain, floods, snow, high heat and sun, and excessive cold.
• Hostile environments and active conflict
  • Rough terrain and the potential damage that results from handling under harsh conditions, including exposure to dust and dirt.
  • Security requirements and the need for concealment.
• Expediency
  • Critical timing affects communications specialists and operators – every second counts.

Responding to Challenges and Providing Innovative Solutions

STI-CO® responds to challenges and provides innovative solutions by adhering to a simple philosophy, as one of our engineers puts it, "we don't make soft products for soft usage." They’re not delicate. Understanding the rugged demands of the field, our engineers design every unit to take on the challenges and rough handling of daily operations in the field.

Already tried, tested, and proven durable, STI-CO® emphasizes providing a rugged, mission-critical antenna that can withstand the punishment of weather, handling, and the battlefield.

Communications teams in battle don’t have the luxury of taking precious time to set up complex antennas when they’re under fire. Consequently, we’ve designed collapsible antennas that are easy to install and quick to deploy, keeping installation time to a minimum.

Fast set-up and durable construction provide military personnel and emergency responders with an antenna that can withstand the rigors of the natural world and provide top performance.  Proper care and handling may be ideal, but we know that doesn’t always happen – especially not in action.

Military tactics may also require other types of antennas. Tactical antennas and STI-CO®’s Tri-Band antennas play an essential role in supporting military activities. By using disguised or covert antennas, vehicles can have radio functions without drawing undue attention. Covert antennas allow the vehicle’s appearance to remain outwardly unchanged for surveillance or undercover operations.

Supporting the Changing Needs of the Military

Supporting the military means keeping up with constantly changing product needs and antenna requirements.

STI-CO® products are American-made, which means 80 percent or more of the materials and labor that go into our products are sourced, purchased, and built in the United States.

What does this mean for customers?

• Products that meet consistently high manufacturing quality standards
• Quick turnaround on orders
• American antenna manufacturers build units that use U.S. frequencies

What’s more, as a smaller company using premium materials for manufacturing quality products, we can be responsive: making changes, creating customized solutions, and supporting rapid product delivery.

Specialized security needs may call for innovative solutions. Customers seek out STI-CO®’s expertise to solve a variety of high-level security applications.

Warranty Protection

STI-CO® builds antennas to be durable in a world where reliable radio communications are mission-critical. We know they will stand up to the most demanding conditions, so we back them up with a five-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

To ensure the highest quality, every STI-CO® product undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the factory. Our engineers subject each antenna to thorough testing, ensuring its suitability and durability for military applications. As one engineer put it, we "beat it up" to guarantee its resilience.

In the simplest terms, STI-CO® products are built to last.

Looking Ahead in Antenna Designs

While the physics governing antennas doesn’t change, advancements in technology drive continuous  evolution in antenna design.

Traditionally, an antenna must be about 13- to 18-inches long to achieve proper resonating frequency for VHF. However, with changes in frequency allocation and the utilization of higher frequencies, there is room for creativity in antenna solutions. According to an engineer at STI-CO®, "Antennas can now be shorter and sleeker. As technologies continue to advance, so will our opportunities for innovation.”

New materials continue to drive advancements in antenna design, such as the nickel-titanium alloy used in STI-CO®’s Flexi-Whip™ Antenna.

In place of the standard steel mast for military and other safety applications,  STI-CO®’s Flexi-Whip™ Antenna sets the standard, creating a flexible mast that bends without breaking.

Summary

Successful military operations depend on getting the job done right the first time – quickly and efficiently. STI-CO® responds to the unique needs of military personnel by producing a host of antennas that are easy to use and fast to deploy in the field.

With the strength and durability to withstand hostile environmental and battlefield conditions, our American-made antennas are custom designed for critical applications and include a five-year warranty.

Change is a constant and as technology continues to evolve, STI-CO® remains at the forefront of innovation. We continuously adapt to leverage new technologies, enabling secure and expedient military communications.

Are you interested in learning more about STI-CO®’s military antenna solutions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with STI-CO® Support at 866-307-8426, email sales@sti-co.com, or visit www.sti-co.com.

Frequently Asked Questions: Military Antennas

What antennas do the military use?

The military employs a wide range of antennas depending on specific needs and applications. These may include omnidirectional antennas, directional antennas, and discone antennas, among others.

What are the applications of antennas in the military?

Antennas play a crucial role in various military applications, including communication, surveillance, reconnaissance, navigation, and targeting systems.

What is a combat antenna?

A combat antenna is a specialized antenna designed for military operations in rugged environments. These antennas are typically ruggedized, portable, and capable of withstanding harsh conditions encountered on the battlefield.

What kind of antenna is used for VHF communications?

For VHF (Very High Frequency) communications, the military commonly uses whip antennas, discone antennas, and log-periodic antennas due to their effectiveness in transmitting and receiving signals within the VHF frequency range.

What is the range of military antennas?

Steve - Is there a general range that can be outlined here? The range of military antennas varies depending on factors such as frequency, power output, antenna design, and environmental conditions. Some antennas may have a short-range for tactical communications, while others are capable of long-range communications for strategic purposes.

What is a mast antenna used for?

Mast antennas are commonly used by the military for tactical communications, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. These antennas are typically mounted on mobile platforms or elevated structures to extend their range and improve signal reception.

What is the UHF spectrum for the military?

The UHF (Ultra High Frequency) spectrum is utilized by the military for various communication applications, including voice and data transmission, satellite communication, and secure tactical radio networks. UHF antennas are designed to operate within this frequency range to ensure reliable communication in military operations.