A technique for controlling an airborne antenna system (304) for a radio telecommunications network mounted on an aircraft (300) is described. As to a method aspect performed by the aircraft (300), a physical antenna orientation of the antenna system (304) relative to geographic cardinal directions is determined. The physical antenna orientation is stabilized in a predefined direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions by controlling a rotational actuator (514) of the antenna system (304).

A device for phase-shifting a radiofrequency signal, includes a first carrier and a second carrier, an input port and an output port for radiofrequency signals, the input port and the output port being formed on the first carrier, the phase-shifting device comprising: a first array of conductive pads that are distributed over the first carrier and run from the input port, a second array of conductive pads that are distributed over the second carrier, the first carrier, the second carrier, the first array of conductive pads and the second array of conductive pads being arranged so as to form a structure for guiding radiofrequency signals of variable length having a rectangular cross section, the first array of conductive pads and the second array of conductive pads being configured such that the length and cross section of the guide structure change, over at least a portion of the path along which the radiofrequency signals propagate through the guide structure, as the second carrier moves relative to the first carrier.

A device for phase-shifting a radiofrequency signal, includes a first carrier and a second carrier, an input port and an output port for radiofrequency signals, the input port and the output port being formed on the first carrier, the phase-shifting device comprising: a first array of conductive pads that are distributed over the first carrier and run from the input port, a second array of conductive pads that are distributed over the second carrier, the first carrier, the second carrier, the first array of conductive pads and the second array of conductive pads being arranged so as to form a structure for guiding radiofrequency signals of variable length having a rectangular cross section, the first array of conductive pads and the second array of conductive pads being configured such that the length and cross section of the guide structure change, over at least a portion of the path along which the radiofrequency signals propagate through the guide structure, as the second carrier moves relative to the first carrier.

A remotely controllable antenna mount (100) for use with a wireless telecommunication antenna (102) provides mechanical azimuth and tilt adjustment using AISG compatible motor control units (171/192) and AISG control and monitoring systems to remotely adjust the physical orientation of the antenna. The mount control units are serially interconnected with AISG antenna control units (ACUs) (104) which adjust electronic tilt mechanisms within the antenna itself. An AISG compatible mount azimuth control unit (MACU) (171) drives rotatable movement of the antenna through a range of azimuth angle positions. The antenna mount further includes a mechanical downtilt assembly interconnected between the antenna interface and the antenna. An AISG compatible mount tilt control unit (MTCU) (192) drives a linear actuator for physical downtilt of the antenna through a range of tilt angle positions.

A remotely controllable antenna mount (100) for use with a wireless telecommunication antenna (102) provides mechanical azimuth and tilt adjustment using AISG compatible motor control units (171/192) and AISG control and monitoring systems to remotely adjust the physical orientation of the antenna. The mount control units are serially interconnected with AISG antenna control units (ACUs) (104) which adjust electronic tilt mechanisms within the antenna itself. An AISG compatible mount azimuth control unit (MACU) (171) drives rotatable movement of the antenna through a range of azimuth angle positions. The antenna mount further includes a mechanical downtilt assembly interconnected between the antenna interface and the antenna. An AISG compatible mount tilt control unit (MTCU) (192) drives a linear actuator for physical downtilt of the antenna through a range of tilt angle positions.

A 2.2M offset antenna includes a reflector hub; a positioner for supporting the reflector hub; a plurality of reflector panels including a first plurality of side panels and a second plurality of side panels, the first plurality of side panels and the second plurality of side panels each being selectively securable to the reflector hub; each side panel of the first plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the first plurality of side panels such that the first plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub; and each side panel of the second plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the second plurality of side panels such that the second plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub.

A mobile tracking system including an antenna, gimbal, and GPS subsystem. The mobile tracking system is operable with a plurality of models of gimbal and can automatically determine gimbal parameters based upon a detected model. This allows for plug and play of several gimbal models without the need for further input provided by a user. The mobile tracking system can also identify positional information for the system itself as well as for a tracked node, and can provide gimbal pan/tilt instructions based upon both. This allows for accurate tracking in an environment where the MTS itself is moving.

A vehicle includes a vehicle platform, an antenna, and an antenna positioner configured to position the antenna relative to the vehicle platform. An inertial navigation system (INS) is associated with the vehicle platform and configured to generate INS output data. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is associated with the antenna positioner and configured to generate IMU output data having a timing latency difference relative to the INS output data. A controller may be configured to control the antenna positioner based upon the INS output data and the IMU output data adjusted for the timing latency therebetween.

A vehicle includes a vehicle platform, an antenna, and an antenna positioner configured to position the antenna relative to the vehicle platform. An inertial navigation system (INS) is associated with the vehicle platform and configured to generate INS output data. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is associated with the antenna positioner and configured to generate IMU output data having a timing latency difference relative to the INS output data. A controller may be configured to control the antenna positioner based upon the INS output data and the IMU output data adjusted for the timing latency therebetween.

Systems and methods for selective and/or opportunistic GNSS/GPS navigation that actively mask or filter satellite signals based on identified “clear sky” or “obstructed sky” regions.