GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas
Improve In-Flight Connectivity to Wireless Networks
Today's airline passengers expect to have easy access to Internet
servers, email, and in-flight entertainment while airborne.
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas improve signal propagation while
reducing the amount of hardware required on the plane. These
antennas provide reliable connectivity to different wireless
systems, including picocells for mobile phone coverage and
access points for airborne Wi-Fi. Ideal for both wide-body and
single-aisle passenger aircrafts, Gore's antennas significantly
reduce dead spots, enabling passengers to connect to wireless
networks throughout the cabin.
The inherently flame-retardant materials used in the construction
of GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas meet the flame and smoke
toxicity specifications of FAR Part 25.1359(d) and Airbus
ABD0031 without added flame retardants.
Typical Applications
- Wide-body aircraft
- Single-aisle aircraft
- Picocells for mobile phone coverage
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and WiMAX
- Connectivity to Bluetooth, DECT, DECT2, Globalstar, GSM, IRIDIUM Sat, MMS, PDC, and TETRA protocols
Improved Connectivity
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas provide consistent connectivity across a broad frequency range — from 400 megahertz up to 6 gigahertz — making the antennas compatible with numerous communication standards.
Table 1: Product Specifications
| Electrical Properties | LFA280 | LFA355 | LFA500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Voltage (V RMS) | 300 | ||
| Impedance (ohms) | 50 +5/-2 | ||
| Frequency Range (MHz) | 400 to 6000 | ||
| Mechanical Properties | LFA280 | LFA355 | LFA500 |
| Nominal Cable Diameter (mm) | 6.5 | 8.1 | 11.7 |
| Minimum Bend Radius (mm) | 40 | 50 | 70 |
| Operating Temperature Range (°C) | -55 to 85 | ||
| Maximum Weight (g/m) | 72 | 85 | 153 |
| Flame and Smoke Toxicity | Airbus ABD0031 and FAR Part 25.1359(d) |
||
Benefits of GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas
- Uniform signal propagation for wireless access throughout the entire cabin
- Reliable access across a broad range of frequencies with a single antenna
- Reduced costs with single hardware set and cables that require no maintenance for the lifetime of the aircraft
- Outstanding flame and smoke protection with inherently flame-retardant materials
- Easy installation for new production and retrofit applications in both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft
- Increased flexibility with rugged cut-resistant and abrasion-resistant construction
- Reduced exposure to wireless radiation
With a single antenna installed along the length of the cabin, passengers can access wireless networks for their laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and in-flight entertainment systems regardless of their location in the cabin. These antennas dramatically reduce dead spots because of the proprietary technology that maintains excellent antenna gain and coupling loss over a broad range of frequencies and antenna lengths (Figures 1-6) as measured according to IEC 61196-4, Free Space Method.
Figure 1: Antenna Gain:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antenna 355
Figure 3: Antenna Gain:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antenna 280
Figure 5: Antenna Gain:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder
Antenna 500
Figure 2: Coupling Loss:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antenna 355
Figure 4: Coupling Loss:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder
Antenna 280
Figure 6: Coupling Loss:
GORE™ Leaky Feeder
Antenna 500
Durable Construction
The engineered fluoropolymers used in the construction of GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas are inherently flame-retardant. They meet Airbus ABD0031 and FAR Part 25.1359(d) specifications for flame and smoke toxicity, which ensures reliable flame protection. These materials are also resistant to abrasion and cut-through, reducing the potential for damage during installation.
Reduced Costs for Wireless Access
Broadband technology used in aircraft generally requires separate equipment for each wireless protocol. GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas enable integrated hardware to run multiple protocols through a single antenna, reducing the quantity of wireless-N access points (N-WAPs) required to ensure signal coverage. These lightweight antennas reduce equipment costs by offering a single solution that provides connectivity for a variety of electronic devices. Because of their durable construction, GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas do not require any maintenance for the life of the aircraft, further reducing operating costs.
Ordering Information
GORE™ Leaky Feeder Antennas are available in a variety of diameters, lengths, and constructions. For assistance in selecting the right antennas for your application, contact your Gore sales associate.
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How to Buy
For more information about buying this product or to request a quote, please contact us.