Capabilities
In the field of RF rotary joints and subsystems, Cobham Antenna Systems (Methuen MA) has the most experienced staff in the world. Many key technical, manufacturing and management personnel have been with the company for over twenty-five years. However, Cobham Antenna Systems also employs many younger engineers and senior managers with strong track records in the electrical, mechanical and quality aspects of microwave and rotating technology. This combination of long-time company employees and talented newcomers provides a spectrum of experience and innovation that is unmatched by any RF rotary joint manufacturer in the industry, domestic or international.
Cobham Antenna Systems has the in-house ability to perform any task involved in the design, manufacture and test of sophisticated RF rotary couplers or other microwave or rotating components. Cobham Antenna Systems has been providing engineering services to both domestic and international customers for many years. Our designs range from rotary joints to pedestal subsystems. Our market has been in both commercial and military sectors, as well as in space.
CAD/CAM/CAE
Cobham Antenna Systems' Engineering Department is equipped with the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools.
Cobham Antenna Systems (Methuen MA) uses Unigraphics NX as its CAD software. Unigraphics NX is a high end Parasolids ® based 3D solid modeling software. It is the core module of a family of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software that provides cradle to grave control of the documentation.
Cobham Antenna Systems uses Mastercam as our Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. This is also a 3D Parasolids ® based software that generates machine code to drive our machine shop's 2-axis and 3-axis turning and machining centers. This code is distributed to our machine tools via a Local Area Network (LAN).
Our Computer Aided Engineering capability is provided by Computer Simulation Technologies (CST). CST Microwave Studio is a specialist tool for the fast and accurate 3D Electro-Magnetic (EM) simulation of high frequency structures. This capability allows us to shorten lead times by eliminating prototypes and generating optimized designs.
Electrical & Environmental Testing Cobham Antenna Systems' Electrical Test Department contains state-of-the-art automatic network analyzers with frequency capabilities ranging from D.C. to 50 GHz. These provide the necessary precision measurements along with electronic or hard test data to comply with the most exacting customer electrical standards. Precision phase matching, Time Domain Reflectometer (T.D.R.) automated Encoder testing and all aspects of Slip Ring testing provided.
Cobham Antenna Systems has the unique ability to perform most qualification, sample and type testing, in-house, without the schedule constraints imposed by outside testing laboratories. This testing facility houses an extensive and varied list of equipment including: high power transmitters, temperature chambers and other assorted electronic monitoring equipment required to fully support our products.
From an Engineering perspective, Cobham Antenna Systems' extensive testing facilities provide us the unique ability to verify our designs. All of these aforementioned departments are fully monitored and supported in conjunction with the Company's Quality Assurance Program.
Machining
Cobham Antenna Systems' Machine Shop contains state-of-the-art numerically controlled machining centers as well as conventional machines. Consequently, Cobham Antenna Systems can produce all the high-precision machined-parts, fixtures and tooling required to build its products and thereby control the quality and delivery of these items. In addition to a full service machine shop, Cobham Antenna Systems has a precision Model Shop dedicated to the needs of Engineering for quick turn around programs.
Cable/Soldering Assembly
Cobham Antenna Systems has a complete coaxial cable and connector manufacturing and assembly area to support all of its semi-rigid and flexible coaxial cable assemblies, wire harness assemblies and Slip Ring wiring harness requirements. All solderers and cable assemblers have successfully completed soldering certification training classes. All soldering is in accordance with ANSI/J-STD-001A.
Component Assembly
Cobham Antenna Systems has the largest dedicated Rotary Coupler assembly area in the world. This department is capable of assembling and testing rotary couplers and components as tall as 20 feet and weighing over 1,000 pounds. It also is capable of testing for torque, pressure/leakage, weight, coolant flow, rotation and other mechanical parameters. A large area is also designated for pedestals.
Paint Department
Cobham Antenna Systems has an environmentally safe paint department, which allows us to control and provide all the necessary preparation, stencil, paint and marking requirements of our products. There are three paint booths: the largest being able to handle units as long as 20 feet and weighing 1000 lbs.
Clean Room
Cobham Antenna Systems maintains class 100 clean benches and a controlled access area (class 100,000 clean room) where critical subassemblies and components are assembled and tested.
FAA Depot Repairs/Refurbishing
Cobham Antenna Systems (Methuen MA) is an FAA authorized Depot Repair and Refurbishment facility. The following programs have been designed and repaired by Cobham Antenna Systems; ASDE-3; TSWR; FPS; ARSR-1, 2, 3, & 4; ASR-4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10; ASDE; MODE-S; MSSR & ATCBI-6.
For additional information on Aftermarket Services, please dowload the following brochure:
Rotary Coupler Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade (pdf - 1958KB)