Ball
Ball

RF Communications

High Performance Digital Technologies

Challenging environments

When it comes to developing and manufacturing advanced tactical Radio Frequency (RF) antennas and microwave systems, we’re recognized as a leader in the industry. Since the mid-70s, we’ve developed the latest high performance RF and digital technologies for military aircraft, missiles, land vehicles, ships, small craft and space applications. These allow our customers to make the most of available frequency bandwidth and communicate successfully in the densest RF environments.
Two F-35 aircraft in flight at sunset
F-35 Lightning II. Credit: Lockheed Martin
Marine amphib vehicle in ship hull
Our RF expertise ranges from developing one-of-a-kind, Synthetic Aperture Radar antennas to producing thousands of Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication antennas for civil and Department of Defense applications. Our RF antenna and microwave products include:
 • Low observable, conformal, and phased array antennas
 • Communication and sensing antennas for missiles, ships, aircraft and ground systems
 • Space-based reflectors and instruments
 • Arrayed and multi-function antennas
 • RF subsystems and co-site mitigation 
 • System integration
Leading modular technologies
We’re leading the industry in developing phased array architecture that delivers reliable and affordable high data rate X-band SATCOM capabilities in a low-profile package. We’ve engineered unique modular, scalable sub-array building blocks to configure an aperture size that meets airborne, maritime or ground platform requirements for size, weight, power and throughput.
Recently we’ve leveraged this architecture into a complete X-band SATCOM on the move (OTM) terminal for a C-130 hatch-mount. The AIRLINK® X-1 antenna leaves the hatch available for an emergency exit and does not require aircraft modification. With only an adapter plate change, the antenna can be used with other platforms. Minimal system components result in a lightweight terminal with roll on/off capability to support any C-130 mission.
Large military aircraft in flight
RAAF C-130J
AIRLINK® X-1 antenna
AIRLINK® X-1 antenna
The AIRLINK X-1 terminal operates via with Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and commercial X-band satellites providing operational flexibility. Performance has been demonstrated with XTAR-LANT and has received certification for operation. Additionally, the AIRLINK  X-1 terminal is undergoing WGS certification.
 
Anti-Jam
We’ve worked closely with the warfighting community to provide them with a tactical and mission advantage. We’ve recognized the gap in existing RF-based navigation systems and the calls from warfighters to provide uninterrupted Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
 
Our proprietary system leverages our extensive background in RF management to produce a system that regains RF-based PNT in the most difficult electronic warfare environments.  We’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the warfighting community to develop, test and prove this capability against known adversary-based jamming systems in worst case scenarios.
Tank on muddy road
Stryker armored combat vehicle

Contact Ball

Find out more about how our RF expertise can give you a tactical advantage.

E: info@ball.com