Integrated Antenna
The Yacht Technologies division of Selex Communications, a Finmeccanica company, recently introduced their new Integrated Antenna Solutions (IAS). This is a process that seamlessly integrates antennas into the physical fabric of the vessel, enabling visually intrusive protruding masts and aerials to be partially or completely removed from sight.
The technology is set to dramatically improve yacht aesthetics, while maintaining optimum equipment performance. IAS provides the design solution to overcome complex issues in three critical areas. First off all the positioning of multiple antennas to enable them to transmit and receive without interfering with each other. Secondly combining several antennas operating on different frequencies into a single aerial, which greatly reduces the number of antennas onboard, without affecting performance. Thirdly designing bespoke antennas for covert installation – for example, hidden in the cowling of the yacht.
John Hodder, Head of Selex Communications Yacht Technologies, commented: “Even on the largest superyachts, space for antennas and sensors is limited. Both performance and aesthetic considerations influence how and where they can be located. As innovators in superyacht technology, we wanted to bring something to our customers that offers designers the opportunity to create superyachts with clean lines, without limiting performance in any way IAS offers the ideal solution.”