Military Ground Vehicles

Radio Frequency (RF) technology plays a critical role in military vehicle applications, providing essential communication, navigation, and targeting capabilities.

Communication systems

Military vehicles rely on RF communication systems to maintain contact with command centers and other vehicles. These systems often use VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands for voice and data transmission, ensuring real-time communication and coordination between various units.

Navigation and positioning

RF-based systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) provide accurate location and timing information for military vehicles. This enables precise navigation, coordination, and tracking of assets during military operations.

Electronic Warfare (EW)

RF technology is used in electronic warfare to disrupt or deceive enemy communication, navigation, and radar systems. Military vehicles can employ jamming equipment to interfere with enemy signals or use electronic countermeasures to protect against incoming threats.

Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems

RF-based IFF systems help military vehicles distinguish between friendly and enemy forces. These systems use encrypted RF signals to transmit and receive identification codes, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents.

Wireless networking

Military vehicles can use RF-based wireless networking technologies, such as MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Network), to establish a self-configuring and self-healing network. This allows vehicles to communicate with one another and share data, even when traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable or compromised.

Deployable Antennas

Feeder cables for military field deployable antennas need to be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of repeated reeling, while still providing good electrical performance and resistance to a variety of harsh environments. While corrugated copper cables and other cables designed for fixed installations are frequently used for these applications, they do not provide reliable long term performance.

Overall, RF technology is vital for the efficient operation of military vehicles, enhancing their communication, navigation, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities. These applications are critical for successful military missions and ensuring the safety of personnel in the field.

What coaxial cables should I use on military vehicles?

The selection of appropriate coaxial cables for military vehicles depends on the specific application, frequency range, power handling capability, and environmental conditions. Military-grade coaxial cables should meet stringent requirements for durability, reliability, and performance. Some important factors to consider when selecting coaxial cables for military vehicles include:

• Frequency range: Choose a coaxial cable that supports the frequency range required by the communication or radar systems used in the vehicle. For example, if the system operates in the VHF and UHF bands, select a cable that can handle these frequencies with minimal signal loss.
• Power handling: Ensure that the cable can handle the power levels required by the vehicle’s communication or radar systems. High-power systems may require low-loss cables with better temperature handling capabilities.
• Temperature: Ensure the cable can handle the temperatures of the vehicle and environment. Higher temperatures may require cables with better temperature handling performance.
• Shielding: Military-grade coaxial cables should provide excellent shielding to minimize signal interference and ensure reliable communication. Double or even triple-shielded cables may be necessary for applications where interference is a significant concern.
• Mechanical strength and durability: Cables used in military vehicles should be robust and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as vibration, shock, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Look for cables with ruggedized construction, including high-quality materials like military-specification connectors and abrasion-resistant outer jackets. For applications that will frequently bend and move cables, consider cables designed to endure high flexure. Applications with chemical washdowns will require special jacket materials. Armored cables will have higher connector retention strength, increasing their durability.
• Flexibility: Depending on the vehicle’s configuration and cable routing requirements, you may need a coaxial cable with high flexibility to accommodate tight bends and complex routing paths. Stranded center conductors offer increased flexibility but poorer insertion loss performance.
• Environmental considerations: Common military environmental specifications to keep in mind include the type of cable jacket, IP67 or similar ratings on connectors, and if a cable needs to be rodent repellent. Other important environmental considerations include low smoke, zero halogen cable assemblies for spaces where air exchange is minimal and specialized cable jackets for environments that might endure nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) contamination and require chemical washdowns.

When selecting coaxial cables for military vehicles, it is essential to consult the system specifications and guidelines to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Always work closely with cable manufacturers and system engineers to determine the best solution for your specific application.

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