AD-26/C — VHF Manpack Whip Antenna

Overview

The AD-26/C is a family of rapidly deployable VHF whip antennas designed for portable and manpack radios operating in the 30-90 MHz frequency band. Its key feature is a sectional construction using thin-wall stainless steel tubes connected by an internal elastic cord, allowing for deployment in seconds. An optional gooseneck version (AD-26/C-GN) is available to ensure the antenna remains vertical for optimal performance, regardless of the radio's orientation.

Technical Summary

Operational Use Cases

• Dismounted Tactical Communications: Provides reliable VHF communication for soldiers equipped with manpack or portable radios. The rapid deployment is ideal for teams needing to establish communication quickly while on the move.
• Flexible Operator Stance: The optional gooseneck allows the antenna to be kept vertical for optimal link quality, even if the operator is kneeling, prone, or has the radio positioned at an angle on their gear.
• Field Expedient Setups: Serves as a primary antenna for patrols and forward teams where equipment must be both durable and quick to set up and tear down.

Deployment Environments

Designed for dismounted infantry and tactical field use, the AD-26/C is built to withstand harsh operational environments. Its stainless steel construction and MIL Green finish make it suitable for deployment in various climates and terrains where durability and low visibility are required.

Setup & Portability

The AD-26/C is engineered for maximum portability and rapid field use. Its sectional design allows it to be collapsed into a compact form, secured with the included grip tape for easy storage in a pack. For setup, the internal elastic rope automatically pulls the stainless steel sections into place, ensuring a solid electrical connection and enabling full deployment in just a few seconds without any tools.

Compatibility

This antenna family is compatible with a wide range of portable and manpack tactical radios that operate within the 30 to 90 MHz VHF band. It is offered with multiple thread connector options to ensure a direct fit with various radio sets. Please verify your radio's connector type and frequency requirements to select the appropriate model.

FAQs

• What are the key factors when choosing a tactical manpack antenna?

  For tactical antennas in general, critical selection criteria include the frequency range, power handling capability (for transmit), and the mounting platform (handheld, manpack, vehicle). It's essential to match the antenna's specifications to your radio's requirements, particularly for maximum power output and VSWR tolerance, to prevent damage and ensure performance. The reviewed product data for the AD-26/C identifies its frequency range as 30-90 MHz and its platform as portable/manpack radios.

• What does the optional gooseneck on the AD-26/C-GN model provide?

  The reviewed product data for the AD-26/C specifies that the 'goose-neck' feature allows the antenna to be bent and fixed in a vertical position. This is crucial for maintaining performance, as a vertical orientation is typically optimal for ground-to-ground omnidirectional communication, even when the radio set is carried at an angle on the operator's body.

• What type of antenna is typically used for a manpack radio?

  General guidance suggests that monopole antennas are commonly paired with handheld and manpack radios. These antennas often utilize the radio's chassis and sometimes the operator's body as a counterpoise or ground plane to function effectively.

• Why is an antenna's radiation pattern important for tactical communications?

  An antenna's radiation pattern shows where it directs its power. For ground-based tactical operations, an omnidirectional pattern is typically desired, providing 360-degree coverage on the horizontal plane. For vertically polarized antennas like whips, the pattern usually has maximum strength towards the horizon and reduced signal (a null) directly above and below, which focuses energy on ground-level communication links rather than into the sky or ground.