Military forces need communication systems to deliver consistently in the most challenging environments. Military personnel therefore need to be equipped with the right knowledge and tools to ensure that antennas and RF equipment is operating optimally in the field, as well as be able to deal with any errors and malfunctions as they arise, and have the expertise to recognize and deal with interference, whether accidental or arising from jamming attacks. And additionally, as RF technology becomes more complex and threats grow more sophisticated, there is a growing need for military personnel to also have the ability to understand and read the electromagnetic environment (EME), and know how to control it to their advantage. 

Verifying RF systems and equipment in real-world conditions 

There is a growing need to test, measure and calibrate equipment exactly where it’s used, in the field, on the move, under pressure. Ground segment systems, from static gateways to SATCOM on the Move (SOTM) user terminals need to be continuously tested and fine-tuned to ensure they can connect reliably, even under degraded or contested conditions. 

The ability to perform in-field testing is also invaluable for emissions control, or EMCON measurements. Understanding what an asset is emitting, and how detectable it is, is a vital part of modern spectrum dominance. If military forces can visualize those emissions, not just from the front or main beam of an antenna, but from all angles, they get a much clearer picture of how exposed or secure an asset really is. And if RF signals of interest can be emulated in a controlled, repeatable way, this enables Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Systems to also be tested and calibrated. The result is a more robust capability to detect, identify and respond to threats in the spectrum, before they become a problem. 

Understanding and controlling the EME 

When managed effectively, the electromagnetic spectrum allows armed forces to communicate securely, navigate accurately, and gather intelligence in complex operational environments. Yet with warfare now spanning multiple domains, from air, land, sea, cyber and space, the operational landscape has become increasingly complex, and this is making effective spectrum management more challenging.

Being able to read and understand the EME and use it to your advantage is crucial in today’s military landscape. This is only possible if military personnel are equipped with the tools and training needed to understand and control this environment. Just as troops are not expected to manage a real-life combat situation until they have completed extensive training to ensure they are battle ready, the same must be applied to understanding the spectrum. 

By using advanced technology to simulate real-world conditions, military forces can train troops to identify and troubleshoot spectrum issues effectively. This approach allows military personnel to gain a deeper understanding of their equipment, as well as the skills and knowledge needed for operational readiness, which in turn ensures a greater chance of success in real-life operations. 

Introducing Quadsat’s advanced RF payload technology 

Quadsat’s system, powered by unique RF payload technology, is designed to support military forces to protect the operational efficiency of communication and RF systems, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum effectively. The RF payload technology can be seamlessly integrated across a variety of UAS and platforms, whether for antenna measurements, spectrum monitoring, or other RF testing capabilities. 

What sets Quadsat’s payload apart is its flexibility which allows the system to easily adapt to various environments and mission requirements. The payload acts as a multidimensional emitter and is equipped with advanced features that enable the frequency, amplitude, and signal polarization to all be adjusted. This flexibility makes it highly effective in fluid operational environments.

As well as being deployed during military operations for antenna measurements, spectrum monitoring, and other RF testing capabilities, Quadsat’s payload technology can also be used in a training environment to simulate real-life EME scenarios, incorporating friendly, adversary, and environmental factors. This empowers military organizations to gain comprehensive electromagnetic insights to support mission-critical decision-making, equipping military personnel with the tools and training needed to understand and control the EME. 

Technology that adapts to mission requirements 

Operating across a wide 2 to 31 GHz range, Quadsat’s payload provides a broad frequency coverage for versatile testing across a range of communication bands to radar systems. Whether the mission calls for testing legacy systems or evaluating next-gen platforms, the payload can deliver. Users can also switch between linear and circular polarization, tailoring tests to accommodate different antenna configurations and signal types. A 3-axis moving gimbal allows the payload to move and align with pinpoint accuracy, even in dynamic or mobile scenarios. This makes it possible to test antenna performance in motion, replicating the kind of conditions faced during real deployments, on vehicles, ships, or airborne platforms. 

With both transmit and receive capability, the system can simulate a wide range of signal environments while also capturing detailed data. Add to that high-speed data processing power with software-defined radio (SDR) capabilities, and you get real-time spectrum analysis. The result is a highly responsive, mission-ready testing solution, engineered not for the lab, but for the real-world complexity of today’s military operations. With use cases ranging from testing and validating MILSATCOM ground segment systems, EMCON Measurements, and ESM Calibration, to simulating complex scenarios, Quadsat’s system allows military entities to conduct a wide range of operations. 

To find out more about how Quadsat’s payload technology can deliver a solution tailored to your operational requirements, get in touch.