AD-25/WB-3512-LW — Wideband VHF/UHF Low Weight Dipole Antenna

Overview

The AD-25/WB-3512-LW is a wideband VHF/UHF low weight dipole antenna engineered for tactical communication. Operating from 30 to 512 MHz, this center-fed antenna is primarily designed for use with manpack and handheld portable radio units.

Technical Summary

• Frequency Range: 30 to 512 MHz (VHF/UHF)
• Gain: -20 dBi to +3 dBi
• Power Handling: 10 W CW maximum
• Polarization: Vertical
• Connector Type: TNC male
• Construction: Aluminum base parts with a plastic-covered tape radiator

Operational Use Cases

Optimized for tactical portable communications, the antenna provides wideband VHF and UHF coverage for military and field operators. It is designed to function across various exploitation conditions, including operation on the operator's body, in hand, or on the ground.

Deployment Environments

This antenna is tailored for handheld and manpack platforms. Its rugged tape radiator offers high flexibility and roughness for demanding field environments, while the flexible goose-necks allow the operator to maintain vertical positioning during movement.

Performance Metrics

The passive transformer tuning network eliminates the need for additional tuning during operation. The antenna manages up to 10 W CW of power and delivers a gain profile spanning -20 dBi to +3 dBi across its full frequency range. A built-in current-choke unit ensures the antenna maintains a correct dipole shape independent of the portable radio unit.

Setup & Portability

Weighing less due to its predominantly aluminum construction, the antenna is highly portable. It consists of six elements: a current-choke unit, two flexible goose-necks, a matching unit, a coil unit, and a tape radiator. The dual goose-neck design permits easy bending to maintain vertical orientation.

Compatibility

The AD-25/WB-3512-LW integrates with manpack and handheld radios using a standard TNC male connector. The integrated current-choke unit ensures independence from the radio's ground plane characteristics.

FAQs

• How does a dipole antenna compare to a monopole for tactical communications? A dipole forms its complete electrical shape independently, whereas a monopole relies on a ground plane for optimal performance. Verify the radio platform's grounding characteristics when deciding between the two types.
• What defines an omnidirectional radiation pattern? An omnidirectional antenna typically radiates energy in a 360-degree azimuth pattern, often resembling a donut shape for a dipole. Gain and elevation beamwidth fluctuate with frequency; always consult the manufacturer's measured pattern.
• How does physical orientation affect vertically polarized antennas? To properly match a vertically polarized system, the radiating element must be kept vertical. Flexible mounting components are frequently used on portable units to maintain this orientation and prevent signal loss during movement.
• Problems we solve: how do we narrow antenna choices? Balancing operating bands, coverage needs and mounting space can make antenna selection difficult. Share those constraints with Cyntony to compare candidate antennas and identify what needs manufacturer confirmation (Our process).
• Outcomes we deliver: what did Cyntony's tactical-link field test establish? Cyntony's 2025 XTND-DIRECT field test showed how terrain, antenna height and clearance affected a specific mesh-radio link. The result informs deployment questions; it does not establish range, throughput or suitability for this product (Field-test account).