VL23 quadrifilar antenna

It is a component of an electronic warfare system that enables the transmission or reception of signals within a specific frequency range.

Quadrifilar, sector, directional, or omnidirectional – depending on the task.

An antenna for EW (electronic warfare) systems is selected based on the operating frequency, system type, required jamming range, and deployment format. It is important to consider which drones the system is intended to counter, what coverage area needs to be created, and whether the system will be stationary or mobile.

An omnidirectional antenna, such as a 900–1050 MHz omnidirectional antenna for countering FPV drones, provides 360° coverage and forms a uniform jamming field around the position. These antennas are effective for monitoring airspace and creating a protective “dome” over a position, equipment, or infrastructure facility.

A directional antenna, such as a 5.8 GHz sector antenna used against DJI Mavic drones, works like a spotlight — concentrating energy in one direction. This allows it to suppress a specific drone or radio channel at a longer range and increase the effect within a defined sector.

A quadrifilar antenna, such as the VL23 quadrifilar antenna used for countering DJI Mavic drones, is used in dome-type EW systems and provides circular polarization. This type is critical for stable operation in complex electronic countermeasure environments and for effective anti-drone performance, especially where resistance to signal reflections is important.

Depending on the system configuration, sector panel solutions or multi-band antennas may also be used to simultaneously cover multiple frequency ranges and improve the overall effectiveness of the EW system.

The operating range of an antenna depends on its gain, directivity, transmitter power, and terrain conditions. On average, the following indicators are considered: antennas with a low gain of 1–3 dBi create a uniform suppression field within a radius of approximately 200–500 m around the position and are suitable for local protection. Models with medium gain of 3–6 dBi provide a stable suppression zone at a distance of about 500 m to 1.5 km. High-gain antennas with 9–14 dBi gain concentrate the signal in a specific direction and can operate at distances of 1.5–3 km or more within a sector, depending on the power of the EW system and the terrain.

EW antennas can be used in stationary, mobile, and modular systems. In stationary systems, they create a stable jamming zone to protect positions or facilities. In mobile solutions, compact and directional models are used, suitable for vehicle installation or rapid deployment. In modular systems, multiple antennas spanning different frequency ranges can be combined to simultaneously cover several bands, increasing the system’s overall effectiveness.

From ~350 MHz to 6 GHz, depending on the model.

You can order EW antennas through BlueBird Tech’s official channels or by contacting the sales department.