Suppliers / Unlocking Connectivity: The Innovative Solutions of Southwest Antennas

High Performance RF & Microwave Antennas for UAVs, Robotics, USVs and Unmanned Marine Vehicles

United States

Southwest Antennas stands out as a premier innovator and producer of high-efficiency RF and microwave antennas, along with accessory products tailored for military, defense, law enforcement, homeland security, broadcast video, and various commercial sectors. Established in 2005, our manufacturing operations are based in San diego, California.

MTS Antenna
MIMO / MANET sector antenna from Southwest Antennas on the AVwatch MTS auto-tracking system

Our RF and microwave antennas are utilized in unmanned and autonomous systems across both domestic and international landscapes. Thay are integral to ground control stations, handheld controllers, video receivers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned marine systems.

All products from Southwest Antennas are radio agnostic, making them compatible with nearly all SISO or MIMO / MANET radio systems available today.We have also specifically engineered solutions for tactical radio systems and multi-port MIMO/MANET configurations.

antenna in anechoic chamber

Antenna Mounting Solutions

Durable IP67-rated permanent RF antenna mounting kits

We provide mounting solutions for permanent installations on vehicles,allowing for robust omni-directional antenna setups for mobile applications. These kits are compatible with antennas featuring one of five RF connector types, ensuring IP67-rated ingress protection and a maximum VSWR of 1.5:1.

Each kit includes 17 feet of integrated LMR-195 low-loss RF cable with a pigtail lead, and users can choose from nine different RF connector types to match their radio systems.

antenna mounting kits

Omni Antennas for Vehicles

Antennas for L, S & C bands with NATO & USA vehicle mount brackets

Vehicle Mount Omni AntennasOur selection of omni antennas for UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and robotic systems can be mounted on 6-hole NATO or standard 4-hole USA vehicle brackets.These antennas, available for L, S, and C bands, provide 360-degree azimuth coverage and are compatible with most leading tactical radio systems.

Designed to withstand harsh conditions, these IP67-rated antennas feature heavy-duty spring bases that ensure durability against snags and impacts.

RF Filtering Modules

Enhance radio system efficiency and ease of installation

filter-modulesSouthwest Antennas provides a complete array of RF filtering solutions designed for environments where interference from nearby transmitters may disrupt vehicle or control system operations.

Our compact and durable RF filters are built for all-weather functionality. These bi-directional filters can be installed in either direction.

Learn More: Filter modules

Iridium & GPS L1 Antenna

Location Services and SATCOM Antenna

Iridium & GPS L1 SATCOM AntennaThis lightweight and compact hemispherical passive antenna is engineered for the Iridium global satellite interaction and location service network. It facilitates both transmission and reception, enabling two-way voice and data communication from virtually any location worldwide.

Additionally,the antenna supports GPS L1,providing timing and location data for any connected radio system that supports GPS functionality. Its design features a wide 120-degree hemispherical coverage area to maximize sky visibility and minimize satellite acquisition time.

GNSS Active Antenna

Rugged GPS & GLONASS L1/L2 Patch AntennaSouthwest Antennas GPS & GLONASS patch antenna

Our GPS & GLONASS Active L1/L2 patch antenna is designed for commercial, industrial, and tactical military unmanned systems PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) applications.

Equipped with a built-in low-noise amplifier (LNA) and filtering, it delivers exceptional performance even in challenging and crowded RF environments.

The low-profile radome minimizes its footprint, while the custom black chrome SMA(f) RF connector ensures waterproofing and allows users to tailor cable length and type for mounting locations distant from the receiver. An innovative magnetic mount, seamlessly integrated into the radome, facilitates quick attachment and detachment from any ferromagnetic surface.

Horizontally Polarized Directional Patch antenna

Compact L- and S-band antenna

Horizontally Polarized Directional Patch Antenna

This directional patch antenna is tailored for L- and S-band applications, providing horizontal polarization when installed with the RF connector facing downward, and can also be configured for vertical polarization needs.

With a frequency range of 1.7 – 2.5 GHz, it is indeed well-suited for a variety of communication requirements in unmanned systems within defense, law enforcement, and 2.4 GHz ISM applications. It can also facilitate MIMO and MANET mesh networks for drones and robotics.

Half-Wave Dipole Omni-Antenna

Half-Wave Dipole Omni-Antenna

Compact C-band antenna with low SWaP

This durable, small form factor omni-directional antenna operates within the 4.4 – 5.9 GHz frequency range,achieving a peak gain of 3.2 dBi. It features an integrated strain relief spring, protected by a weatherproof heatshrink seal, safeguarding the RF connector and connected system from damage.The robust design and lightweight profile make it ideal for UAVs and UGVs where space and weight are critical.

Ultra-Flex Omni-Directional Antennas

compact, durable omni-directional sector antennas with an integrated environmentally sealed spring base

Ultra-Flex Omni-Directional AntennasOur series of Ultra-Flex Omni-Directional Antennas are designed for versatility and resilience, making them suitable for a variety of applications in challenging environments.

Ultra-Flex Omni Antennas: compact Communication Solutions

The Ultra-Flex omni Antennas are engineered to deliver exceptional communication capabilities within a compact design,making them perfect for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).These antennas feature a unique sealed spring base that can flex ±90 degrees from the vertical position, minimizing the likelihood of damage to both the antenna and the connected radio RF connector when impacted by external objects. This design is notably advantageous for ground robotics that may navigate under low-hanging obstacles during operation.

Additionally, the Ultra-Flex antennas are utilized in UAV systems that have the necessary ground clearance and payload capacity to accommodate external antennas. They are available across a frequency range of 902 MHz to 6,000 MHz, with various band and RF connector options. Notably, these antennas are waterproof up to 20 meters when paired with a waterproof RF connector.

ugv-antenna
Southwest Antennas omni-directional antenna and magnetic mounting kit used on a MUTT unmanned vehicle at Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton, California. Photo: John F. Williams, US Navy

Gooseneck Omni-Directional Antennas

Flexible RF and microwave antennas with an adaptable gooseneck base

Our gooseneck omni-directional antennas are extensively used in unmanned ground systems, handheld control units, tactical radio systems, and ground control stations. The integrated RF coaxial gooseneck base allows the antenna to bend and maintain non-vertical angles, which is crucial for handheld controllers or other radio systems that are not positioned on a flat surface.

Custom slant angles can be implemented in MIMO and MANET mesh radio systems, enhancing polarization and spatial diversity, particularly in environments where multipath propagation is beneficial.

Cylindrical Sector Antennas

Compact sector antennas encased in a cylindrical radome

Our cylindrical sector antennas are perfect for base stations that require control and communication with aircraft at extended distances or near the horizon. These directional antennas are designed in a compact cylindrical radome,making them easy to transport and set up. An arrow on the top of the radome indicates the direction of signal transmission and reception.

Multi-Port MIMO/MANET Antennas

Omni-directional antennas tailored for multi-port MIMO/MANET radio systems

Our omni-directional antennas are specifically designed for multi-port MIMO/MANET radio systems. They feature slant left and slant right polarization, enhancing polarization diversity and performance in high multipath environments. With various mounting options and the choice of two or four ports,these antennas offer operational flexibility suitable for unmanned and autonomous ground systems,base stations,and larger UAV systems.

MIMO/MANET Omni-Directional Antennas for UAS
Image courtesy of NASC and NASA.

Multi-Port MIMO/MANET Directional Sector Antennas

Single-band multi-port antennas for MIMO/MANET radio systems

Our single-band multi-port sector antennas provide focused coverage for MIMO and MANET systems. They are ideal for ground control systems or fixed-site infrastructure, available with beamwidths ranging from 60° to 120°, and in two, three, or four port configurations.

Dual-band multi-port antennas for MIMO/MANET radio systems

We also offer dual-band sector antennas featuring advanced capabilities such as rapid band-switching for anti-jamming applications and the ability to seperate network traffic based on environmental conditions. These antennas provide 90 or 120-degree sector coverage for various operational areas and can be combined for comprehensive 360-degree coverage.

UAV Directional Sector Antenna

Concealment Antennas

Embedded L, S, and C-band antennas for discreet applications

Our lightweight concealment antennas are designed for UAV and unmanned systems where the antenna must be fully integrated within the vehicle to prevent damage during movement. Each concealment antenna can be tuned for optimal performance onc installed in specific enclosures.

For more data, visit our Concealment Antennas page.

High Performance RF & Microwave Antennas for UAVs, Robotics, USVs and Unmanned Marine Vehicles

12305 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064

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Products

Unlocking Precision: The Power of Iridium & GPS L1 Antenna
Two-way location service and SATCOM antenna
Unlocking Precision: The Power of GNSS Active Antennas
Rugged GPS & GLONASS L1/L2 patch antenna for PNT
Unlocking Connectivity: The Horizontally Polarized Directional Patch Antenna
Small form factor L- and S-band antenna for drones and robotics
Revolutionary Ultra-Flex Omni-Directional Antennas: Unleashing Connectivity Like Never Before!
Compact rugged sector antennas with integrated environmentally-sealed spring base
Unlocking Connectivity: The Power of Gooseneck Omni-Directional Antennas
Versatile RF & microwave antennas with integrated flexible coaxial gooseneck base
Unlocking Connectivity: The Power of Cylindrical Sector Antennas
Sector antennas housed in a compact cylindrical radome
Revolutionizing Connectivity: The Power of Omni-Directional MIMO/MANET Antennas
Omni-directional slant antennas for multi-port MIMO/MANET radio systems
Stealthy Solutions: The Power of Concealment Antennas
Lightweight L, S and C-band antennas for embedded applications
Unlocking the Power of RF Filter Modules: Your Guide to Enhanced Signal Performance
Easy-to-install filtering for improved radio system performance

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Unlocking Connectivity: The Innovative Solutions of Southwest Antennas

United States

12305 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064

Head Office

United States of America

12305 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064