AD-25/CW — Series Wideband VHF Manpack Whip Antenna

Overview

The AD-25/CW series consists of wideband VHF whip antennas engineered for manpack radios operating in the 30 to 108 MHz frequency range. These antennas feature a highly flexible multilayer steel tape radiator and an integrated gooseneck to maintain optimal vertical orientation regardless of how the radio is carried.

Technical Summary

• Frequency Range: 30 to 108 MHz (VHF)
• Power Handling: Up to 25 W
• Polarization: Vertical
• Gain: 0 to -20 dBi
• Radiator Material: Flexible steel multilayer tape
• Tuning: Built-in passive transformer network

Operational Use Cases

Ideal for tactical communication scenarios requiring reliable wideband VHF coverage without manual retuning. Primarily utilized on manpack radios where continuous operation across multiple frequencies is essential for mission success.

Deployment Environments

Designed for demanding tactical field environments. The flexible steel radiator withstands rough handling during dismounted operations, while the fiberglass housing protects the tuning transformer. The gooseneck design keeps the antenna vertical whether the radio is worn on the back, at the breast, or placed on the ground.

Performance Metrics

Delivers wideband performance from 30 to 108 MHz with a gain ranging from 0 down to -20 dBi. The antenna handles up to 25 W of RF power and incorporates a passive transformer tuning network to ensure optimized electrical matching across the entire band.

Setup & Portability

Optimized for dismounted portability and immediate deployment. The multilayer steel tape construction provides high flexibility, and the built-in gooseneck automatically adjusts the antenna's posture to maintain vertical alignment during movement.

Compatibility

Compatible with manpack radios operating within the 30 to 108 MHz VHF band. Specific RF input connectors and frequency variations are available upon request from the manufacturer.

FAQs

• Why choose a wideband whip antenna for manpack operations? Wideband whip antennas provide continuous omnidirectional coverage across the VHF band without requiring manual retuning. The AD-25/CW features a built-in passive transformer tuning network to maintain matched impedance from 30 to 108 MHz.
• Why does the gain decrease at the lower end of the frequency band? Antenna gain drops at lower frequencies because the physical length becomes a smaller fraction of the wavelength. Practically sized wideband omnidirectional antennas often exhibit gain as low as -20 dBi at the bottom of the band.
• How does the gooseneck design affect antenna performance? An integrated gooseneck allows operators to maintain vertical orientation and polarization regardless of how the radio is worn or placed on the ground. Verify the required input connector when selecting a model for your transceiver.
• 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).

Video Notes