A communications backpack is disclosed. In one embodiment, the communications backpack includes a backpack; a Radio Area Network (RAN) device in mechanical communication with the backpack; a mini-server in mechanical communication with the backpack and in electrical communication with the RAN device; at least one hot swappable battery in mechanical communication with the backpack and in electrical communication with the RAN device and the mini-server; at least two antennas, wherein the two antennas are stored in a first position alongside the backpack and are movable to a second position where the two antennas are coupled to the backpack and in electrical communication with the RAN device; and wherein the communications backpack provides a coverage area of up to 3 kilometers (km).

A deployable assembly for antennae includes a structure having a reflective surface and n pairs of segments, each pair of segments corresponding to one side of a deployed polygonal shape. N hinge joints are between the two segments of a side. N hinged angular links are between every two adjacent sides. The structure is changeable from a stowed substantially cylindrical shape into a deployed substantially planar polygonal shape with n sides. A deployable boom is between two segments. The boom lays stowed between the two segments before deployment and ends in a feeder electromagnetically feeding the antenna and includes a clamping element for keeping the structure closed when stowed. The feeder acts as structural support element when stowed and electromagnetic feeder for the antenna when deployed. A cable network shapes the reflective surface, with corresponding cables held by tensor elements protruding from the back of the segments.

A transportable ground tower for an aircraft landing system, and methods of assembling and raising the same, are disclosed. The ground tower may include at least lower and upper tower sections configured to be assembled to form a ground tower structure extending substantially vertically from a ground surface in an operational orientation. The lower tower section may have a pivot configured to be pivotally secured to a stationary ground base. The ground tower may also include a stand pivotably secured to one of the plurality of tower sections, which is configured to support an end of the assembled tower structure in an assembly orientation to permit assembly of one or more tower devices to the tower structure.

Methods for constructing/deconstructing an antenna tower are provided. The methods can include engaging a stability assembly between a standard and a tower to maintain tension in a line used to raise/lower the tower. Antenna tower construction/deconstruction stability assemblies are also provided. The assemblies can include a stability assembly extending from the standard and configured to rigidly engage a portion of the antenna tower, the stability assembly being operable to maintain the rigid engagement during transitioning of the tower from a down/erect position to an erect/down position.

An antenna module configured for use on an underwater vehicle is disclosed. The antenna module includes an array of spiral antennas fabricated on a multi-layer substrate that provides wide-band RF communication with direction finding (DF) capability. The antenna module can also include other antennas fabricated on the same multi-layer substrate, such as one or more global positioning system (GPS) receivers, an ultra-high frequency/very-high frequency (UHV/VHF) antenna, or one or more iridium antennas. The antenna module may further include a water-proof housing that is coupled to the outside hull of an undersea vehicle via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism allows the antenna module to rotate between a stowed position against the hull and a deployed position that extends the antennas out away from the undersea vehicle. The antenna module is curved or flexible so it can stow against a corresponding curved hull of the undersea vehicle.

Exemplary methods for making an extension assembly include marking on a ¾″ conduit a line 2 feet from one end, inserting the marked end of the ¾″ conduit into a 1″ conduit until about 9″ of the ¾″ conduit is exposed, and without putting on a nut, assembling one 1⅜″ ID U-bolt onto the ¾″ conduit at a point the ¾″ conduit enters the 1″ conduit.

A mobile tower system includes a steel shipping container. A tower structure is moveable between a substantially horizontal travel position and a substantially vertical operational position. A connection member is fixed to a lower portion of the tower structure and moveably coupled to a channel disposed in a horizontal member removeably attached to a vertical frame attached to a back wall of the steel shipping container. When the tower structure is displaced from the substantially horizontal travel position to the substantially vertical operational position, the connection member and the tower structure are linearly displaced together along the channel toward the back wall and the tower structure is pivotably displaced about the connection member, such that the upper portion of the tower structure is displaced through an opening disposed in a roof of the steel shipping container proximate a back wall of the steel shipping container.

An antenna system including an antenna adjustable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The antenna includes a reflector having an annular array of spaced-apart ribs coupled to a hub, whereby the ribs can be adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration in which the ribs outwardly extend from the hub. When the ribs dispose in the collapsed configuration, the antenna can be disposable in the stowed configuration; and when the antenna disposes in the deployed configuration, (i) the ribs can dispose in the extended configuration, and (ii) the reflector can be directionally adjustable, such as in both elevation and azimuth.

This invention discloses a tower system in which a telescoping tower with a plurality of tower structures is contained within a rigid transportation container in a substantially horizontal position for transportation, may be extended to a height much greater than its contracted length. The tower may be transported horizontal, repositioned to a vertical position and then the individual tower structures extended and secured via spring pins relative to the adjacent tower structure, the erection of the tower sections may be with external equipment such as a boom truck, or utilizing an internal hydraulic cylinder.

A portable radar system is disclosed including a mast, a fabric enclosure being sized and dimensioned to be extendable in a covering relation with at least part of the mast; and an antenna comprising at least one element, wherein said antenna is arranged on the fabric enclosure and is positioned to illuminate or receive reflections from a target when the fabric enclosure is in a covering relation with the mast and the mast is deployed.