Tactical Vest Antenna System

Tactical Vest Antenna System (TVAS) is a type of wearable antenna designed for use by the United States Armed Forces. It is claimed that troops equipped with the TVAS are more effective than traditional whip antenna-equipped troops due to better concealment of the equipment and mobility improvement to the operator. TVAS was developed by Wearable Antenna Technologies Inc. in early 2008.[1]

Specifications
Frequency30 - 512 MHz
Gain-10 dBi at 30.00 MHz
Power Input7 watt
Weight9 ounces (260 g)
Radiating PatternOmnidirectional
Characteristic impedance50 Ω
ConnectorTNC / BNC

Implementation

The Tactical Vest Antenna System is designed to be concealed within Small Arms Protective Insert pouches found on contemporary body armor such as Interceptor body armor, Modular Tactical Vest, Full Spectrum Battle Equipment, Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System, Modular Body Armor Vest and virtually any other type of body armor that utilizes SAPI or ESAPI plates. The radiating elements' placement is barely noticeable due to their thinness, approximately 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) and their curved shape that lies flush against the shape of ESAPI plates. Hiding away the radiating elements brings more mobility to the operator when compared to whip antennas traditionally used military. TVAS is compatible with MBITR, PRC-152, and other common radios used by the U.S. Military.

Safety

If power is increased over 7 watts there could be safety issues with temperature increase. However, at the operating frequencies of the antenna, ionizing radiation is not a factor. Additionally, the antenna is intended to be placed on the outside of SAPI plates, providing a significant barrier between the radiating element and the operator.[2]

Technical details

The Tactical Vest Antenna System consists of two radiating elements that are connected by a cable. The cable acts as an extension of the radiating elements, and includes a "quick release" mechanism found in MTV and FSBE designs. Each of the radiating elements of the antenna is laminated between two sheets of polycarbonate plastic.

See also

References
  1. Wearable Antenna Technologies, Inc. - Tactical Vest Antenna System
  2. DefenseNews.com - Wearable Antenna Hides Your Whip Under Your Vest
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