SkyLink® Mini II
High-Gain, Airborne Tracking Antenna
The SkyLink® Mini is a high-gain airborne tracking antenna designed to focus all its radio frequency energy into narrow beams. This increases range, reduces interference and leads to significantly higher data rates. Its lightweight, high-performance and radio agnostic design provides single, dual-band or dual-polarized models to support long-range, high-bit-rate communications for CDLs, DVB-T, COFDM- NM-MIMO and MANET radio waveforms.
In 2009, SkyLink® Mini set the stage for a new era of lightweight, high-performance airborne tracking antennas. The only steerable airborne antenna to pass DO-160 testing Mini II improves performance, range and throughput.
SkyLink® Mini’s multi-axis stabilization, high-gain and narrow beamwidth automatically steers toward the receiving antenna. Highly directional, these antennas increase signal level, reduce the need for amplification while maximizing range and through-put. Optional, dual-band or dual-polarized, Mini II creates long-range, point-to-point and simultaneous multipoint transmit and receive capability.
Unlike omnidirectional antennas that appear like beacons, the SkyLink® Mini’s directional signal is difficult to interfere with or jam. This allows for better frequency isolation and re-utilization in crowded radio environments.
Unique features include:
- Embedded INS with internal GPS
- 90° / -30° elevation arc
- DO-160 certified
- Dual-rotary joint
Internal Inertial Navigation System (INS)
The SkyLink® Mini II incorporates an embedded INS for self-calibration and stand-alone position, attitude and heading data independent of any on-board navigation equipment. This eliminates the need to connect to external GPS or magnetometers significantly reducing the cost and complexity of installation and STC certification.
Elevation Arc for Air or Ground Installation
A +90°/-30° elevation path allows the Mini II’s high-gain antenna to point straight up or down depending on its installation.
Optional Dual Rotary Joint
A dual rotary joint enables operation in two-frequency bands simultaneously or supports dual-polarization. This makes it possible to deploy long-range, bidirectional Ethernet links with the latest MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology.
DO-160 Certified
The SkyLink® Mini II has been manufactured and thoroughly field tested. Its ruggedized gears and DO-160 certified design will withstand even the toughest airborne or ground vehicle environments.
- DO-160 Certified
- Self-Calibrating
- Automatic locating and tracking
- Simultaneous dual-frequency or dual-polarization
- Maximize bit-rate and range
- Improve reliability
- Precision INS / GPS embedded
- 1.2 GHz to 18 GHz
- Ultra-wide-band models 5GHz to 13GHz
- Operational in GPS denied environments
- Resists jamming and interference
- Improves spectrum efficiency
- Reuse spectrum even in saturated RF environments
- Support for CDLs and MANET/MIMO systems UHF – Ku
Mounting Options
| ANTENNA CHARACTERISTICS | L – Band | S – Band | C1 – Band | C2 – Band | X – Band | Ku – Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREQUENCY RANGE | 1.4 – 1.9 GHz | 2.0 – 2.5 GHz | 4.4 – 5.9 GHz | 6.0 – 6.9 GHz | 8.0 – 12 GHz | 14 – 17 GHz |
| Mid-Band | 1.7 GHz | 2.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 6.5 GHz | 10 GHz | 14 GHZ |
| Antenna Type | Panel | Cavity | Horn | Horn | Horn | Horn |
| Gain | 10 dBi | 11 dBi | 13 dBi | 15 dBi | 16.5 dBi | 18 dBi |
| Half Power Beamwidth AZ/El (-3dB): | 71° | 64° | 46° | 34° / 28° | 32° / 24° | 30° / 26° |
| Polarization: | Linear | Linear | Circular / Linear | Circular / Linear | Circular / Linear | Circular / Linear |
HPBW (Half Power Beam Width)
Linear polarization can be horizontal or vertical. Circular polarization can be right or left hand polarized.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Long-range bidirectional data link and mission control system SAIC / Leidos
(SkyLink® Mini was originally designed for General Atomics)