In Touch

Deep in the wilds of Alaska stands one of the largest planar antenna arrays on the planet—the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP). Spanning 36 acres (14 hectares) in area, the 180-tower array is used to conduct scientific research into the properties and behaviour of the upper atmosphere, with the view to improving global wireless communications.

Since the first towers were erected in 1993, Radio Frequency Systems has been the primary supplier of coaxial transmission line for the HAARP array. Working closely with the array’s designer, builder and operator, BAE Systems Advanced Technologies, RFS has developed a customized feeder connector solution to defeat the impact of Alaska’s inhospitable climate. The latest phase of the installation involves the installation of around 1800 connectors in total—along with over 40,000 feet (12 kilometres) of transmission line.

In the next issue of STAY CONNECTED, we’ll take you on a guided tour of Alaska’s HAARP antenna and transmitter system, plus expand on the unique engineering relationship between RFS and BAE Systems that makes strumming the HAARP possible.