Our experience dates back to the first rotary coupler utilized
on the E-2C aircraft, which was a three-channel unit handling
high power UHF radar and IFF functions. The rotation speed was
six rpm continuous, and the unit provided for telescoping of 22
inches when the aircraft is stored below deck on an aircraft carrier.
This early rotary coupler was upgraded to an eight-channel design
which handles the functions of two additional UHF channels, two
broadband channels and an RF slip ring that is an octave band
communication channel. Additionally, a 20-channel slip ring is
built into the assembly.
We are supplier of the rotary coupler for the AWACS AEW radar,
mounted on the Boeing 707 aircraft
. This contract was
earned due to our outstanding reputation gained on the E2-C program,
there were several very challenging additions to the original
unit. New requirements were: higher frequency range (S & L
bands), eight channels, extremely high radar power, an extended
life, and a complex slip ring.
Eight
channels are accommodated by use of a colinear concept developed
by our staff. The AWACS high power channel is a classic TEM "doorknob"
design that handles extremely high peak and average power to the
antenna and utilizes a fluid coolant, thermal heat sink arrangement
to limit the maximum temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Non-contacting,
choke-coupled rotary interfaces resulted in a unit that was proven
in reliability testing to provide 30,000 flight hours over a wide
range of fluctuating hot and cold environmental conditions and
high power loads. To date, one hundred seven units have been delivered
to Westinghouse.
A unique design employing our ultra-wideband technology, is a
DC to 40 GHz rotary coupler developed for a Naval Electronics
Laboratory Center submarine application. This unit was constructed
in eight colinear channels, six of which utilized stub-supported,
choke-coupled, non-contacting sections.
Further developments have led to a state-of-the-art 21-channel
rotary coupler. Features include 2 IFF, 1 SATCOM, and 18 matched
high power UHF channels. Each UHF channel module is only 3.2 inches
thick with an OD of 8.5 inches. Special RF chokes were designed
to fit within this volume and eliminate the need for contacting
parts for wear-free operation. This unique rotary coupler RF design
has very low insertion loss, VSWR and WOW. Our mechanical design
is an air-sealed, modular construction, and will sustain any airborne
environment. The rotary coupler has been designed and tested to
withstand extremely high average and peak power levels.
When
it comes to meeting your requirements for custom rotary couplers,
our staff can be counted on to deliver a product that will interface
flawlessly with your system.
