AD-55/K — UHF Dipole Antenna

Overview

The AD-55/K is a rugged, wideband sleeve dipole antenna designed for modern broadband software-defined radios (SDR), jammers, and scanners. Covering the 120 to 320 MHz frequency range, its center-fed design allows effective operation without requiring a ground plane in harsh military environments.

Technical Summary

• Frequency Range: 120 - 320 MHz (VHF/UHF)
• Gain: -2 to +4 dBi
• Maximum Power: 100 W Continuous Wave (CW)
• Polarization: Vertical
• RF Connector: N-Type Male
• Radome Material: Fiberglass

Operational Use Cases

Optimized for tactical communication, signal monitoring, and electronic warfare applications such as jamming. It is specifically intended for integration with broadband software-defined radios and RF scanning equipment.

Deployment Environments

Engineered for tactical platforms and harsh military environments. The fully enclosed fiberglass construction is built to meet MIL-STD-810G environmental standards.

Performance Metrics

• Frequency Coverage: Continuous operation from 120 MHz to 320 MHz
• Gain Variation: Ranging from -2 dBi to +4 dBi across the specified band
• Power Handling: Supports up to 100 W CW maximum transmission power

Setup & Portability

The center-fed sleeve dipole architecture inherently eliminates the requirement for a physical ground plane, greatly simplifying placement on various platforms. Verify exact mounting hardware requirements and attachment methods directly with the datasheet.

Compatibility

Designed to interface with SDRs, RF jammers, and scanners utilizing an N-Type RF connection. Operates across standard VHF and UHF military bands.

FAQs

• Why select a center-fed dipole over a monopole? A center-fed dipole operates independently of a ground plane, whereas a monopole requires a highly conductive ground surface below it to properly form its radiation pattern and maintain efficiency.
• What does vertical polarization mean for communication? Vertical polarization indicates that the antenna's radiated electric field is oriented perpendicular to the ground. For optimal link margin, the paired transmitting or receiving antenna must also be vertically polarized.
• How should continuous power ratings be evaluated for jammers? Jamming involves a 100% duty cycle. Always verify that the transmitter's maximum continuous output power does not exceed the antenna's continuous wave (CW) power rating to ensure sustained operation without failure.
• 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 changed for Espy's compact monitoring system? Cyntony helped Espy source antennas that fitted a compact transit case and coordinated later sourcing revisions for removable mounting. This documented result concerns Espy's system; it does not establish this product's dimensions, mounting features or performance (Espy case study).

Video Notes

Note for video creation: Consider a short technical walkthrough showing the physical scale of the fiberglass radome and the N-Type male connector interface to help engineers visualize tactical integration.