Products
Transponders
C-Band Radar Transponder
The Kratos Radar Tracking Transponders (commonly called Tracking Beacons) are extremely small precision augmentation systems for enhancing the tracking capability of radar systems. Our field programmable transponders improve the operating distance of a radar, greatly improve tracking accuracy, and (when used in double pulse mode) provide the ability to selectively track a single vehicle out of a group of vehicles. Kratos offers solid state C-Band Radar Tracking Transponders in 5, 20, and 50 Watt transmit power levels, which that can be either programmed at the factory with specific transmit and receive frequencies or programmed in the field by the user to desired parameters. This capability allows the user to change the operating parameters of the transponder, without the need to remove it from the vehicle. The 20 watt Model 252-3 and 50 watt Model 253-3 are solid state, externally programmable, and only 18 cubic inches.
Multi-Service Data Link (MSDL) Transponder
The Multi-Service Data Link (MSDL) transponder is a command receiver, digital command decoder, digital telemetry encoder, telemetry transmitter, and target interface enclosed in a single lightweight package. The transponder receives commands transmitted by the ground control station and interfaces with the vehicle management computer or autopilot.
Uplink UHF command messages from the ground control station are received by the transponder in the frequency band of 359.5 MHz to 375 MHz. The RF data is converted to a serial data stream that is digitally transmitted to the vehicle autopilot for processing. The autopilot can then send a serial data stream back to the transponder, where the telemetry downlink is then transmitted down to the ground control station. The MSDL has three antenna ports to support multiple antenna inputs via the vehicle RF switch. Multiple antenna inputs can be toggled through for the strongest signal.
MSDL has also been qualified per MIL-STD-461 (EMI), MIL-STD-810 (Environmental), and MIL-HDBK-781 (Reliability) standards, making it one of the most capable devices in the industry.
Model 290 UHF Data Link Transponder
The Model 290 UHF data link transponder is a command receiver, digital command decoder, digital telemetry encoder, telemetry transmitter, and target interface enclosed in a single lightweight package. The transponder receives commands transmitted by the ground control station and interfaces with the vehicle management computer or autopilot.
Uplink UHF command messages from the ground control station are received by the transponder in the frequency band of 380 MHz to 435 MHz. The RF data is converted to a serial data stream that is digitally transmitted to the vehicle autopilot for processing. The autopilot can then send a serial data stream back to the transponder, where the telemetry downlink is then transmitted down to the ground control station. It also has three antenna ports to support multiple antenna inputs via the vehicle RF switch. Multiple antenna inputs can be toggled through for the strongest signal.
The Model 290 has been qualified per MIL-STD-810 (Environmental), making it one of the most capable devices in the industry.
Model 280-1 MONTAGE Transponder
The Model 280-1 MONTAGE Transponder is a command receiver, digital command decoder, digital telemetry encoder, telemetry transmitter, and target interface enclosed in a single lightweight package.
The transponder receives commands transmitted by the controlling station or the target drone set. Implementation of commands occurs only after verification of the address, parity, and message integrity checks. After verifying the address in the command uplink message, the transponder initiates the transmission of a telemetry reply. The self contained GPS receiver provides excellent position accuracy during all vehicle maneuvers.
The Model 280-1 allows multiple targets to be flown on the same frequency and can be used as a target relay. This transponder is currently used on the U.S. Navy’s family of target vehicles, including the BQM-34 and BQM-74 aerial targets, and MST-35 and HSMST sea surface targets, and international vehicles like the Chukar III.
Model KX50 Micro-Transponder
The Kratos KX50 Micro-Transponder is the next generation of C-Band Radar Transponders. It is a microcompact, precision augmentation system for enhancing the tracking capability of C-Band Radars. The KX50 is particularly suitable for small missiles, guided weapons, and UAS where size, weight and power are at a premium.
The Kratos KX50 provides a reliable solid state transmitter using the latest in GaN technology. The result is low modulation pulse voltages, increased reliability, infinite shelf life, and no maintenance requirements. The transmit frequency, receive frequency, single / double pulse interrogation, code spacing, reply delay, and transmit pulse width are externally programmable.
Flight Termination Systems
Portable Flight Termination System (FTS)
The portable FTS consists of an FTS Transmitter System called the Command Control Unit (CCU), used for encoding IRIG flight termination commands, and an FTS Receiver System called the Receiver Monitor Unit (RMU), which is used for detecting, decoding, and monitoring commanded signals from the FTS Transmitter System. The system also includes complete transmit and receive antenna kits, a Remote Control Unit (RCU) for initiating FTS commands remotely from the CCU, and a user manual. Configurations of the FTS are available with RF outputs of 15W and 50W. Kratos can also support full system integration and training as needed.
Dual Vehicle FTS
Kratos developed a 200W Dual Vehicle FTS that was specifically designed for use with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), missile systems, and aerial target drones, and it is currently in operation supporting various mission requirements worldwide. Designed to be IRIG 313 and 319 compliant, it is a rack mount unit used for flight termination and command. The unit accepts AC power and generates a modulated RF output FM signal, suitable for interrogation of Flight Termination Receivers and a variety of command receiver/decoders.
High-Power Flight Termination Systems
The Kratos Flight Termination System (FTS) is a turnkey system capable of transmitting MONITOR, ARM, and TERMINATE flight termination encoded command signals, as well as 20 individual IRIG tones (up to 6 simultaneously). The system can be manually or automatically switched between transmitters, and it includes fault monitoring, audio alarms, data recording, system time stamping, and full remote control operation and configuration. The system is ready for installation in E.I.A. 19 inch standard racks for mobile platforms or in transportable cases for high portability.
FTS Modular Components & Test Sets
FTTS-P-8 Flight Termination Test Set
The Model FTTS-P-8 Flight Termination Test Set (FTTS) is a portable, high-quality unit that is well-suited for flight-line checkout of Flight Termination Receivers (FTR) and/or Tone Receiver/Decoders. It accepts a universal AC power input, and it generates a modulated RF output carrier signal adjustable in 100kHz steps from 406MHz – 450MHz from suitable for interrogation all RCC 319 compliant IRIG FTRs. The FTTS is available in 8-tone or 20-tone configurations and can transmit up to 6 tones simultaneously. Additionally, the RF output power is adjustable from 0 to -127dBm (1dB steps), and all IRIG tones can be switched on and off independently.
C-Band Mini-Tester
The Kratos programmable C-Band Mini-Tester (Model 38-2 and -4) is a handheld battery powered unit that provides go/no-go testing for any C-Band transponders in the 5.4-5.9 GHz range, including all variations of Kratos Radar Transponders. The Mini-Tester verifies proper transponder operation by interrogating a transponder installed and powered in a systems platform. Indicator LEDs verify the transmission of signals and the received reply. The Mini-Tester is programmable and uses the same USB programmer used to program the Kratos transponders, which allows for quick frequency changes. The Model 38 Mini-Tester is capable of testing units more than 350 feet away and comes complete with battery charger and antenna.
Tone Receiver/Decoder
The Tone Receiver/Decoder is a rack-mount receiver that will display the presence of any of the 20 IRIG standard tones, transmitted either individually or in combination as command tones (e.g. Monitor, Arm, Destruct, etc.). It accepts a universal AC power input, and it can be tuned in 100kHz steps for carrier signals in the range of 406MHz – 450MHz compliant to RCC 313 and 319 for compliant IRIG tones. The rear panel connections include RF input, signal strength (front panel displayed as well), and decoded channel outputs of the 20 tone detector circuits. An optional remote control interface is also available, which enables control in Local Mode or Remote Mode using an RS-232 or GPIB interface.
5W Command Encoder/Exciter
The 5W Command Encoder/Exciter was specifically designed for use with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), missile systems, and aerial target drones, and it is currently in operation supporting various mission requirements worldwide. Designed to be IRIG 313 and 319 compliant, it is a rack mount unit used for flight termination and command. The unit accepts AC power, and it generates a modulated RF output FM signal suitable for interrogation of Flight Termination Receivers (FTR) and a variety of command receiver/decoders.
Command Encoder/Exciter
The Command Encoder/Exciter (CEE) is a rack-mount unit ideal for test and verification of Flight Termination Receivers (FTR) and/or Tone Receiver/Decoders. It accepts a universal AC power input, and it generates a modulated RF output carrier signal adjustable in 100kHz steps from 406MHz – 450MHz from suitable for interrogation all RCC 319 compliant IRIG FTRs. The CEE is available in 3-tone, 8-tone, or 20-tone configurations and can transmit up to 6 tones simultaneously. Additionally, CEEs are available with an adjustable RF output power from 0 to -127dBm (1dB steps) or with a fixed RF output power of 5W (CEE-5W). All IRIG tones can be switched ON/OFF independently. An optional remote control interface is also available, which enables control in Local Mode using the front panel switches or Remote Mode using an RS-232 or GPIB interface.